Brookhaven aldermen made an aggressive move last week in hopesof landing a new industry and jobs for the community.

The foresight and restraint exercised a few years ago in notspending approximately $1 million in Wal-Mart bond repayment moneycould pay off in the creation of up to 150 new jobs. The Wal-Martmoney, which could be used to construct a building to be leased tothe company, was part of a proposal approved by city fathers. TheWal-Mart money may only be used for economic development purposes.Trying to lure the automotive supply prospect certainly fits thatbill.

Another worthy possibility for the Wal-Mart money is to use itas part of the city’s commitment toward development of a newindustrial park. City officials have said the money could be usedto lessen a requested $2.2 million bond issue to match a similarcounty bond issue for the new park.

Mayor Bob Massengill said last week that the prospect offerwould not prevent the city from participating in industrial parkdevelopment. One idea being considered is to use building leasepayments toward repayment of the city’s industrial park bondissue.

Of course, in the unfortunate event that Brookhaven is notchosen by the industrial prospect, city fathers will still have theWal-Mart money to apply directly to the new industrial park.

Either way, the mayor and board of aldermen is to be commendedfor their prudent pursuit of industrial developmentopportunities.