We launched this column in January to begin an open discussion about the present and future of the City of Radford. Now it’s time to talk about the directions that we are headed in and the directions in which we wish to go.

I am sure many of you have tangible ideas, projects, partnerships, or proposed facilities that you have been thinking about for some time that would be a fantastic addition to the Radford community. I know that I do. In fact, I have a whole list! But before we start talking about a skate park, a dog park, a live music venue, a river festival in Bissett, an outdoor living heritage railroad exhibit, or a downtown retail recruitment plan, I think the right thing for us to do is to talk about our energy and connection to this community.

In the nearly two years that I have been affiliated with the 24141, I have continually brought forth discussions about my community. In that time, I have received a wide variety of responses creating a varied spectrum of feelings. I’ve had individuals tout Radford for its small-town feel and scenic wonders, and I’ve witnessed harsh vituperations about what Radford lacks coupled by the pessimistic belief that it will never change. In between, I’ve seen the shrugged shoulders of the apathetic and indifferent.

Yet one common theme has always emerged from staunch supporter to the chronic naysayer in my unofficial social polls: Radford is a city with enormous potential.

On this point, I think we all agree. Especially for those of us, like me, who came from somewhere else and chose to live here. I saw the potential, and I still see it everywhere I go. In addition to the potential, have you ever seen a city that is so perfect in size that it affords us access to our city leaders and managers so readily?

Do we not have all the resources and space to create and build the continued amenities we desire? Have our leaders established a great base of open spaces and a strong school system? Are we not still a look-’em-in-the-eye, handshake kind of town? Yes we are. So here we are, with all of our potential and very few obstructions to suggest, create, grow and mold our potential into the new millennial, progressive community that the city’s Strategic Vision for 2020 talks about.

So what is our obstacle? Well we have to get past our latent, perpetual divisiveness. There is no East Radford and West Radford; no Light Side and Dark Side; no University versus the City; and no reason why Radford students know of nothing west of Sonic, and regular citizens “don’t go downtown when the students are back.” There is only Radford, and I believe we should all start seeing it that way. If you examine our community through this unified lens, you’ll begin to see a community on the rise.

You’ll see a police department’s public campaign to build understanding and community ties with its citizens while saving one of Radford’s historic buildings; you’ll see the university and the city reaching out to create a public transportation system in 2011; you’ll see a chamber of commerce that was flat on its back and near disbandment eight months ago, up and off the mat and rejuvenated with a forward-thinking strategic plan; and you can find many more examples of the city moving in a positive direction. And for the first time in a long time, you’ll see the much-needed attention and debate surrounding City Council elections in May, which are the true litmus test for a community that cares about its leadership.

I don’t see a divided Radford. I only see Radford. And I challenge you to see it the way that I do. If you already do, I challenge you to help those who do not, see it the way we do. If you want your community’s potential to come to fruition, if you want this city to have something more, or to become something greater, now is the time for you to step forward and participate in its creation, to work alongside its diligent citizens by becoming one yourself. There is only one direction we can afford to be heading in: forward. Don’t believe it? Then step forward and have a closer look. Once you do, you’ll realize our perceived problems are simply challenges set to unify us as a community.

Go on, have a look.  I promise . . . you’ll see.

Ian Fortier sits on the Radford Tourism Advisory Commission and serves as the Executive Director of the Radford Heritage Foundation and the Glencoe Museum. He has more than 15 years of experience in community activism, sustainable communities, and nonprofit work. His passions include film, animation, guitar-driven rock ‘n’ roll, grape-flavored Flintstone vitamins, travel, cycling, snowboarding, cheese, and his dog’s happiness.