Chicago's sites for conventions are far greater than those of Dallas. And the list of comparisons goes on and on. Longview has many positives in its natural beauty. For a city of its size, it has some remarkable cultural offerings. The shortfall is the lack of a place to present them.
Electric rates are the lowest in the state.
We have an airport that will allow the space shuttle to land, but doesn't serve enough destinations. We're one of the largest cities in Texas without public transportation. And we are on the verge of being put on nonattainment status by the Environment Protection Agency, which will have a dramatic effect on industrial development in the future. This list of pluses and minuses is not inclusive, but it illustrates the type of candid assessment that is needed. As the Longview 21st Century group begins to organize its evaluation of the city, it will undoubtedly have many other areas to add.