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May 6, 2005
By BILL YINGLING Staff reporter
A nonprofit research group plans to use the Internet to gather public opinion as it studies ways to steer the state's economy.
The move is the latest step in the Delaware Public Policy Institute's project, "Choices for Delaware: Life and the Economy in 2000 and Beyond."
For nearly two years, business and government leaders have been examining ways to maintain economic growth in Delaware and make sure it does not erode the state's quality of life, said Marvin Schoenhals, chairman and chief executive at WSFS Financial Corp., and chairman of the project. The organization is examining issues such as land use planning and water and sewer services.
"If we ignore the quality of life and just have economic growth for the sake of economic growth, we might end up with a state that is not as pleasant to live in as it is today," Schoenhals said.
Various groups are completing preliminary reports for the project. Institute officials have been planning an open forum to discuss the findings and recommendations and to hear the public's ideas. Instead of a one-day session, they have opted for a monthlong "virtual public hearing" using the Internet, said Suzanne Moore, executive director of the institute . Moore said she believes the Internet will allow more public participation and diverse viewpoints.
The reports will discuss such topics as enhancing the state's economic base. The reports will be posted on two Web sites on Monday : www.udel.edu/chep/dppi and www.dscc.com/dppi.
An online chat room also will be established where people can discuss the subject.
Officials plan to issue a final report in late spring.
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