Comments from national leaders

The degree to which rural problems are felt and the degree to which we lose our ability to maintain a rural identity is the degree to which we exacerbate urban problems. . . . All the problems of urban life become even more complicated as a result of out-migration from rural areas.

Community development organizations are literally a god send [for rural areas]. I don't know how you could do without them these days. In many cases, they are the only really chance that communities have to compete. They're the only source of expertise. They're the only source in many cases of real leadership and guidance about how to walk the maze of economic development, challenges these communities face. So, they truly are needed and I think without them most communities would be lost today."

U.S. Senator Tom Daschle
South Dakota

 

When people think about rural America, they think about small towns and flags on the Fourth of July and parades. But they don't see the underlying stress and challenges that our rural communities are facing. We need to be . . . encouraging people to stay and maintain what was always so great about rural areas: the closeness of family and community, and what I always call the heart and soul of America.

U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson
Missouri

 

 

Our strength of our country really is in the voluntary institutions that made our country great. . . . These are essential in rural America.

U.S. Senator Kit Bond
Missouri

 

 

 

 

We have to find a way to have this area that's attractive to live in to be affordable for people to come back to live. More importantly, to keep those who are there and provide economic opportunities to people who are there.

Former U. S. Representative Eva Clayton
North Carolina