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When making endorsements, we demonstrate that we've done our homework and understand the issues. For example, we presented you with a "NO" position on Proposition 200 six weeks ago because we are convinced that it raises the right issues about water use and growth, but it is the wrong approach.

We think that voting for Prop. 200 in an attempt to halt growth, or as a way to send a stern "no confidence" message to Tucson's leadership, is foolhardy.

It's dangerous to play games with our collective future.

As a newspaper with a large and engaged daily audience, we offer an alternative.

We have the ability and the desire to communicate and gather diverse viewpoints. This is why, with the encouragement of all sides of the growth debate, we seek to reinforce the good work under way, hold those involved accountable and build consensus.

We are convinced that our community has alternatives and the will that can produce lasting public policy. Unlike in other states, the Arizona Legislature has not mandated regional planning and so we have grown haphazardly. This must change.

Those in support of Prop. 200 — thank you. You pressed the growth and water issues and called the question.

Thankfully, our community has the opportunity to do the right thing.

Here's how. In early February, whether Prop. 200 passes or not, we will convene an open community gathering. We want to educate and energize Southern Arizonans to come together and plan for our region's growth.

Our goal is to arrive at solid public policy based on fact and analysis, not political saber rattling or self-interest. The decisions we make will affect Southern Arizona for years to come.

Success will look like this: A two-pronged approach that takes stock of the good work already done while moving forward to advance practical ideas for water and land-use policy on a broad regional basis.

Joining us in this endeavor are the University of Arizona and its president, Robert Shelton, as well as a wide group of people who know and care about Southern Arizona.

But Tucson does not exist in isolation, which is why Arizona State University and its president, Michael Crow, have also joined the effort at our invitation.

We extend that invitation to others who believe, as we do, that together, common ground must be achieved without haste.

We're not the first to recognize this need. Over the years, reports have been made, studies have been done, plans have been communicated. They are all pieces of a complex puzzle. It's time to assemble the pieces. We need to create a picture of a Tucson that we want our descendants to inherit.

The Arizona Daily Star is assuming a leadership role not for ego, but because thoughtful community members have urged us to reach out. We want to help assemble the people, the knowledge and the creative ideas necessary to paint the picture on the puzzle box.

The Star and the Communications Institute of Pasadena, Calif., will coordinate the forum. We are developing the format and the followup.

We will hold ourselves, Tucson's leadership and our consortium accountable for turning this opportunity into action.