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When we go to the polls Nov. 4, we have unusually important choices to make about the future of this nation and investments in our community. Current economic conditions may foster short-term thinking about spending. But I believe it is important to make decisions about local bonds in the context of our community's long-term economic vitality and quality of life. On Nov. 4, one of those decisions is what to do with the War Memorial Auditorium at our Greensboro Coliseum Complex. I am voting for the bonds to renovate that facility so that it can remain a great community asset that is used extensively by a diverse mix of our citizens.

Our coliseum complex is an economic engine and source of community pride. While other parts of the complex have been expanded, renovated and updated to keep them competitive, only minimal changes have been made in the auditorium over the last 50 years. Not only is the facility in grave need of major refurbishment, it is no longer competitive with similar venues in other communities in our state. It is worn and it is outdated. It is clearly time to fix it -- and fix it right for the long term.

War Memorial Auditorium honors our brave veterans. It has also been a true community venue. Annual events have included school graduations, dance recitals for youth, school concerts and celebrations, student plays and local pageants. Professional performing arts events such as the symphony, Broadway shows, opera, culturally diverse concerts and comedy acts provide local access to superior entertainment and support economic development and employment for our area.

But in its current condition, the old hall is losing its appeal and functionality. As other communities such as Durham, Raleigh and Charlotte invest in new, state-of-the-art facilities, we find ourselves increasingly at a competitive disadvantage for top events. We shouldn't have to drive to other cities to enjoy great entertainment, nor be at a disadvantage attracting people who want to live in a vibrant, progressive place.

As a former city manager, I believe $50 million is a sound investment in a facility that means this much and will last so long. Waiting to do what's necessary only adds to the cost. The design team for the renovation has done an excellent job of reusing key structural features of the existing complex to reduce costs, while creating a modern, attractive and competitive facility.

A state-of-the-art performing arts center at this location has several unique advantages. Common management of this facility with the rest of the coliseum complex results in tremendous efficiencies and cost savings. There is no need to purchase land. And having the auditorium immediately adjacent to the other coliseum facilities helps the finances and marketing of the entire complex. Our unique competitive advantage lies in the versatility of our multi-venue coliseum complex, something few other communities can offer. We have invested in other parts of the complex to keep them competitive. It's time we do the same for the auditorium.

Now, more than ever, it is critical that we make key public investments that keep the Greensboro area an attractive place for new and existing businesses and our richly diverse population. Five million local residents and visitors have enjoyed events at our auditorium over the last 50 years. This is a wise and prudent investment in our future and an obligation we have to future generations. Vote yes for the War Memorial Auditorium bonds.

Ed Kitchen is vice president of the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation.