But this really has me agitated...the Triad's local economy has been stuck (on stupid) for the past decade, and yet, our so-called economic developers continue the madness of promoting this area (even to out-of-state honchos) as a big aerotropolis. Another article in today's N&R points this out.An op-ed than ran over the weekend by Dan Lynch shows us that we still don't have the crown jewels to think high...no. Instead, we race to board a developer's private plane in an effort to build a multi-million dollar site in the southern part of downtown for a school system that's broke, building a hotel and office complex for a city that has no jobs...and I don't mean service jobs.
Remember, I work a $9/hour service job in Winston-Salem; it barely pays the bills, we struggle, but we're surviving. And yet, I continue to get frustrated when I see empty websites (ones I frequent) like this:
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that's right....empty.
It makes me question my future...and my role in this area.
This area cannot survive on a service-based economy. It cannot. If you think it can, look to articles like this, where we continue to play 3rd fiddle to Raleigh and Charlotte, with a population loss.
And for those of you planning a run for City Council, heed this now...think higher, think broader, think jobs...GOOD jobs, so that this area can survive. Otherwise, you will not get my vote.
E.C. :)
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6 comments:
Nope. Not offended.
What's wrong with promoting the transportation network and infrastructure we have? Sure its not the only thing economic dev officials should be doing. But it sure doesn't hurt. As far as your job goes, That sucks. Have you considered retraining yourself for a different career. A friend of mine recently moved here and got a great salaried job within in a couple of weeks. Concerning your vote, don't you live in Jamestown? Threatening Greensboro city council candidates then seems pretty pointless.
Let me correct a couple of your points...with all due respect. My subdivision (Brook Run) was annexed within the GSO city limits about a year or so again, so as a GSO voter, this puts me on the playing field...I have a right to speak my mind. And quite frankly, no one is threatening anyone here. We have a lame duck City Council who is the laughing stock of the state (with the exception of a couple of Council members).
Sure, promoting transportation and infrastructure is good, but if that's all we have, then what's the point? We have an unemployment rate that's rising as fast as the tax rate (has been for over 10 years)...what are we doing about it? Why CAN'T we think higher? Maybe you think $9/hour service jobs are all and good and maybe you think we can make our local economy relevant on those types of jobs...but we can't.
And as far as your comment on job retraining, I have a B.A. degree (media communications/journalism) and have recently taught in the public schools. Since this state is laying off teachers faster than furniture plant workers, there's no more future in working in the classrooms of NC anymore. And since journalism jobs/PR jobs don't exist in this area anymore, working a $9/hour service job isn't glamorous, but it is literally the only thing that exists in this area now. Moving out of this area would be a last resort, but our options are open at this point.
Erik, you're right. I've lived in Greensboro for 40 of my 53 years and I love it, but it truly is brain-dead.
It is only a terminal lack of leadership that focuses on diversions that prevents us from recruiting better jobs.
As someone who spent five years in Charlotte in the 1990s, I can tell you (and I'm sure you already know) that jobs for someone with your education and intelligence (the way people write truly does reveal a lot about them) would more quickly and easily find a job commensurate with your education and abilities there than in the Triad, but I understand your reluctance to leave the Triad -- it's a great place to live, no matter how stupid its (alleged) leaders might be.
I hope you'll stay in the Triad, it needs more people like you.
I don't totally disagree with Anon. The promotion of the Triad's valuable transportation network can lead to economic growth and job development.
But the Triad and Greensboro have been looking at the issue with a singular focus: bringing jobs here. Of course Greensboro needs that, but using incentives to attract new companies can't be the only tool leaders use. Greensboro needs to think about job creation and economic development through a broader lens, such as starting to create the kind of live, work, play livability that will attract and retain young professionals. Quality of life is a major factor for the younger workforce, because they don't really have any incentive to necessarily settle so soon. If Greensboro leaders also began to focus on creating a city where people want to live and that provides an even more superior quality of life, this could also help to stimulate corporate investment.
And without an adequately trained workforce, many companies will look elsewhere for investment. Jobs are out there. Unfortunately, most triad residents don't possess the higher level skills needed for jobs that are available right now (I'm not saying you don't).
My brother and his wife and their two young kids (soon to be three) just moved back to Greensboro after he lost his job in Richmond. Thankfully, he was offered several positions after a few weeks of looking. But he's a chemical engineer with very high, specialized training.
I guess my point is Greensboro needs to also focus on retraining citizens and attracting higher education folks to create a workforce that will attract companies and more jobs.
Leaders need to see the big picture. Sadly, most if not all of the members on the current city council don't seem to be big, bold thinkers. They're all mediocre, at best.
Tony, your comment was from the heart, I appreciate that. Thank you.
Andrew, you're exactly right. Not only that, we also need to tackle the under-employment problem, which is a direct result of the unemployment problem in our area. And I suspect you're seeing a lot of people filing for Council seats who are just as frustrated.
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