Clinton and Gore Pledge Rural-Development Strategy

By Lonnie Harp

Ames, Iowa

Pledging to put together a development strategy for rural communities that will stretch well beyond farm policy, President Clinton and Vice President Gore stopped in Iowa last week to hear from farmers, bankers, health-care workers, and students.

Despite the promise of modestly priced housing, safe neighborhoods, and community spirit, rural communities are increasingly threatened by withering economies, aging populations, and isolation. Facing a host of troubling signs, the President and Vice President--both boasting of their small-town roots--said their appearance at the National Rural Conference here was the first step toward finding ways the...