Loudoun County is growing so quickly that we really must create a more collegial conversation among citizens, leaders and planners before decisions are made that affect us all.

From the shock of the big green county signs to the potential river of traffic from the Air and Space Museum to Hunt Country to the desperate need for balanced and accessible health care, citizens too often feel left out of the planning and decision making process.

Although we are all guilty of waiting for someone to invite us to the discussion, there is finally an emerging sense among citizens of Middleburg that too many decisions are being made without the opportunity to be included and more involved.

In this technological age, it is sometimes too easy to rely on websites and cable channels to communicate anticipated changes. We need regular, county meetings at least twice a year, and a series of small, formal discussions on a town-by-town basis to ensure that everyone who wishes to be is heard, and that all the Villages and Townships collaborate as partners on the evolution of our infrastructure and our services.

Surprise is seldom the friend of success. A well-informed and involved constituency will serve Loudoun County well.