On Aug. 24, we launched Vision for the Valley, an editorial project designed to focus our sights on our future.

Our goal is to encourage the Valley's leaders to make the kind of decisions that position us for growth when the national economy rebounds. Just as importantly, we're encouraging us all to think about what makes the Valley special — and the unique attributes our Valley should build on.

So what do you have to say? A few interesting remarks:

• One online commenter makes an eloquent case for open space.

"Identifying a focal point for quality of life may create clarity through the haze of issues facing the Treasure Valley.

"Open space close to home is the cornerstone of a vibrant community and a Vision for the Valley with shelf life.

"Open spaces provide multiple benefits to communities. It helps provide clean water and healthy streams for fishing, swimming and floating. It helps reduce flood hazard, provide watchable wildlife habitat and are places to connect with nature. Open space can shape growth patterns that help assure clean air. Healthy activities like walking and riding increases in communities with ample open space. Farm land open space can provide a source of local foods. ...

"If we choose one theme that sets us apart, it is certainly open spaces close to home. This is a vision worth investing in."

• One commenter argues for investing in infrastructure — but not necessarily in transportation:

"If you really want a future for Idaho, focus on basic infrastructure, such as education and telecommunications. Roads? Mass transit? Those are valuable, but the future is telecommuting — not transporting workers."

• Another commenter makes an strong argument for acting locally:

"The Treasure Valley is going to have to assume responsibility for its own destiny. The governor (and not just the current one), the Legislature, and most of state government are a hindrance to urban prosperity. Elected officials in the Valley must work together to form a common vision and to address common problems. Some progress has been made, but not nearly enough to put us on the track to a great quality of urban life."

• If we wait for the politicians to come up with a vision, we're wasting our time, writes one commenter:

"Elected officials won't do anything to bring about positive changes, and that is ALL of them from both sides! The only thing they will do is take credit for something positive, and blame it on someone else if it is negative. What will turn this around is the same thing that happened years ago. Until a Joe Albertson or a Jack Simplot comes along and brings this state back to prosperity, nothing will happen. The private sector will drive our economy and the best, and only, thing government can do is make the atmosphere positive for the private sector!"

I believe elected officials have to play a role here — but we all do, as well. There's a place for the private sector, and for everyday Idahoans. Don't leave the future entirely to elected officials, or to the next generation of Valley business magnates.

Our editorial board will discuss the Vision for the Valley project with community leaders and political candidates in the months ahead, and we'll share what we hear. But it's really important that we hear from you. It's your community, and this is your best place to be heard.

So send us a letter to the editor or a guest opinion. Or post a comment at our Vision for the Valley forum page. Or simply post a comment here on this blog.

Either way, I look forward to hearing from you.