Mr Epolito, It appears you want 'cool' young people to move to Manistee county before they have employment. Do you have jobs for them? I would think you would invite them to come and find employment and then move in. Your method would only increase the unemployment lines and the unemployment figures for the county. By the way, it seems your constant reference to 'cool' would send these cool kids to Maine, Canada or even Alaska. Just a thought.

I have to agree with retread. It makes no sense what so ever to have a person move to the city and then try to find a job. Manistee does not have any jobs that someone can make a living off of. I have lived here for 41 years and seen every change that has taken place. People can not make a living at Dunhams or Peebles. Lets get some good, high paying jobs in the town and then maybe people will come.

It's very unfortunate that your views are based on this article. As an individual who attended the luncheon many of us left inspired. With so much negativity in the news these days he was here and spoke in such a positive manner. I don't think this article gave James Epolito the justice it deserved. "Cool" is a phrase that is used by the state and it isn't as general as I think you are both taking it. As a recent grad student I stayed in Mason Co. because it was important to me and I have that community pride that he speaks of. I have a great job and it's because I worked at it and worked on helping my community make a difference and I think that's what James Epolito was trying to pin point.