Economy and Jobs
I am convinced that our efforts to create jobs in Indiana are failing at a high cost in dollars and lost opportunities. I am tired of looking for "silver bullets" or the "next sure thing". We need to roll up our sleeves and do the real work of economic development. There are two things to start with:
First, build on our existing small businesses. We know what our existing businesses are doing, who works there and what they pay. We also know that the need access to credit and to trained employees. These are things we can work on without massive cost and with little risk. Our small businesses don't promise future jobs based on financial projections.
Second, put our young people to work building our infrastructure. As I go door-to-door two things continually trouble me. In neighborhood after neighborhood I see streets without sidewalks, open drainage, crumbled pavement and antiquated sewer systems. When I get to the front door, I am too often met by an unemployed graduate or the parent of a fine student who has moved back home with one or two degrees and no job. I believe that our young engineers and business students can plan the needed streets, sidewalks and sewer systems while those with technical skills can build and construct. All will learn. At the end of the day we'll have experienced workers and managers, our kids can walk to school and homeowners can enjoy modern city services.