Missoula should consider Swiss example for economic development

I am writing in response to the article (August 9) titled "Missoula leaders look to common ground on economic development." I just attended my 20th Sentinel High School reunion and was startled to see how many of my friends are pining to return to Missoula.

After receiving a first-class education from Missoula schools, many of us left the region to find greater economic opportunity. Now we are finding it quite daunting to consider a possible return. Even if we could find a job, could our spouse? What happens in five years if we or our spouses need to change jobs? What are the possibilities for growth? There are seemingly so few opportunities that many of my friends’ parents have also left Missoula to find greater opportunity elsewhere.

The longer that Missoula waits to take bold steps to bolster its local economy, the greater the loss to this "brain drain."

Full Opinion: http://missoulian.com/news/opinion/mailbag/article_77c9f608-90d6-11de-877c-001cc4c002e0.html