Perkins is now an economic developer

News & Record reports today that City Councilman Robbie Perkins will now play the part of an economic developer...well, sort of.

I'm setting this up a certain way...follow me, if you will.

N&R:

Despite the loss of two key economic developers last Friday, city and county leaders say the governments won’t skip a beat as they work with companies that want to bring jobs to the area.

And one Greensboro City Council member says those changes are a chance to consider even more aggressive economic development. Robbie Perkins said he’ll begin putting pressure on business leaders today.

Hmmm...okay.

More:

Last week, Rob Bencini, Guilford County’s economic development coordinator, was laid off and Jim Westmoreland, Greensboro’s assistant city manager for economic development, left his job to work for the N.C. Department of Transportation.

You know things are tough when the economic developers are laid off.

More:

At the moment, the flow of corporate inquiries is slow because of the recession, and Perkins says Lynch may need another mission for the moment: That of political activist.

Dan Lynch, president of the Greensboro Economic Development Alliance and Pat Danahy, president and CEO of the Greensboro Partnership, ought to step up pressure on those boards to improve the county, Perkins said.

That involves building water and sewer lines, schools, and other projects that are more affordable than ever right now.

“You’ve got to get the business community to show some leadership,” Perkins said. “And you’ve got to let them step forward and articulate the vision.”

So we have three things afoot here.

One, we have a long-time economic developer laid off. And while I don't wish this on anyone, economic development has lagged in this region for a long time.

Two, Robbie Perkins stepping in this role. Why now? Why all of a sudden? Could it be that this is an election year and a ripe deflection of the troubles inside City Hall is in Perkins' best interests? Or could it be that Mr. Perkins is a developer...and that any new development that comes into the county is beneficial for Mr. Perkins?

And three...what does he mean exactly by "getting the business community to show some leadership?" This quote is very cryptic.

This story bear watching...and commenting.

E.C. :)