By Mark Wineka
mark.wineka@salisburypost.com

GRANITE QUARRY — The Board of Aldermen passed a formal resolution Monday for a “Declaration of Interdependence,” a cooperative concept being promoted by Greg Edds, chairman of the Rowan County Board of Commissioners.

Aldermen continued Monday a recessed meeting from Dec. 5, when Edds described his and Commissioner Jim Greene’s efforts to bring Rowan County’s 10 municipalities together for collaboration on things such as workplace and economic development, education, marketing, infrastructure, philanthropy and improving the business climate.

After adopting the resolution, aldermen went into executive session to discuss a property matter.

Part of the Granite Quarry resolution says, “this Declaration of Interdependence recognizes that challenges drive innovation, which incentivizes Rowan County to seek new opportunities in traditional markets; and to explore untapped markets for the town of Granite Quarry and its partners in Rowan County.”

It continues, saying the declaration “will encourage 10 community partners to align their core goals and beliefs to accelerate innovation and economic growth in the town of Granite Quarry and Rowan County as a whole.”

Edds hopes to bring representatives from all 10 Rowan County municipalities together for a community forum in February 2017. Before Granite Quarry, he had visited China Grove and East Spencer to make similar presentations.

Aldermen voted 4-0 for the resolution Monday.

Granite Quarry Mayor Pro Tem Mike Brinkley said he liked the resolution, but he wondered what exactly China Grove and East Spencer had passed in connection with this.

Town Manager Phil Conrad said he thought those towns simply endorsed Edds’ concept.

Alderman Jim LaFevers said he thought aldermen should support the resolution, but he also noted that it doesn’t force the town to do anything.

Contact Mark Wineka at 704-797-4263.