There are some who have said if Shenango Valley Initiative has lacked anything in its nearly decade-long existence, it's been real political clout.

Based on the veritable who's who of political, community, business and religious leaders -- and the nearly 500 citizens -- at a a pep rally-like meeting Thursday evening in Sharon, that assertion may no longer be valid.

By the time the hundreds of people walked out of St. Joseph's Church, they had heard SVI's vision for the Shenango Valley and Mercer County. They also had heard the faith-based organization's request for commitments from public officials and business leaders on such issues as housing, jobs, intergovernmental cooperation and economic development.

The Rev. Richard Carlson, chairman of SVI's clergy caucus, said people showed up for many reasons, including curiosity, anger or simply to get answers. "For whatever reason you're here, you're here because you're residents of the valley," he said. "You're here because whatever happens in this valley, you have a vested interest in it."

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