OUR OPINION: Harriman’s leadership shows again

It has been a big spring for the city of Harriman.

Despite criticism from some, officials there have formally opened their beautifully refurbished grand old theater.

We are inclined to agree with those who believe the Princess Theatre will stop the decline and restore the heart and soul to Harriman’s downtown.

City officials also have garnered major support in their idea to turn the old Roane Medical Center, which will be abandoned when the new hospital is completed in Midtown, into a Veterans Affairs hospital.

A recent informational meeting drew hundreds of people and attention regionwide. We like seeing these proactive efforts.

We also like the tenacity Harriman officials show when they go after something.

They know that getting the federal government to cough up more money for another veterans hospital — not matter how badly the need — is unlikely. But we believe if anyone can get the job done, it will be the people of Harriman.

Officials there have shown a remarkable capacity to think on their feet — especially during the past several years of economic turmoil.

We think their efforts to, in some cases, turn lemons into lemonade will be a successful recipe for renewed prosperity in the community.