What are the biggest problems facing the Lehigh Valley?

This question sparked a myriad of answers from nearly 100 attendees at last week's community forum - yet another event hosted at the Northampton Community College Fowler Family Southside Center.

The event was organized by Keystone Crossroads, a new-age nonprofit media group based in Philadelphia.

Elected officials sat next to area citizens as they outlined both the good and the bad within the region.

"Keystone Crossroads reporters heard some very important ideas and comments about the region, and they are already busy working on stories that will be heard and read throughout the state," Naomi Starobin, editor of Keystone Crossroads, said.

Education dominated much of the discourse, as many people voiced their concerns over the poorer schools in the area.

A large portion of the discussion centered around Allentown's Neighborhood Improvement Zone, where activists such as Jared Newton, of Allentown, believe low-income residents are being forced to relocate.

These were a few other ideas articulated by those who attended:

"I hope residents can feel empowered to voice their concerns."

"My concern is the decline in interest of the news."

"I hope the city of Easton can continue to enjoy its resurgence."

"My hope is the middle class realizes its fate is more closely tied to the poor than it is to the rich."

"The city government here doesn't represent the community."

"My concern is the socioeconomic divide in Allentown."

"We need to put the emphasis back on education."

"We need to create a revenue stream (in Pennsylvania)."