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Economic Development
Growth, expansion and wealth are not goals for just our city and business, but all of our community. We must concentrate on elevating each area progressively in order to maintain the delicate balance between business and public concerns; one area cannot greatly outweigh the other. And for the most part, we have achieved that balance.
Throughout the years, Findlay has grown by leaps and bounds; businesses have relocated here, numerous job opportunities have been created and housing has sprung up throughout our city. Countless recreational, shopping and entertainment areas have been created, expanded upon and modernized, all providing some sort of benefit to a segment of our community. However, despite all that we have accomplished and the benchmarks we have reached, more can - and should - be done.
In a time of economic prosperity for our city, it goes against our humanity and basic human nature to allow our fellow citizens to live at or near poverty levels. Our mission of fiscal conservatism should not stop us from making sure that viable employment opportunities are available for everyone who has the desire to work and succeed. I will ask city council to join me in an effort to assist the people of our community by exploring legislation that will require new businesses to offer our workforce common benefits and pay them a wage that will allow our citizens to live, not merely survive. Offering a living wage may be labeled by some as an attack on business; however, having a work force eager to sustain their employment at one of these positions should be an attractive alternative to companies that continuously experience high turnover due to employees seeking something better elsewhere.
We also need to recognize that we have to take care of the companies that have done so much to enhance and to give back to our community. Marathon, Cooper, Whirlpool, Ball Metal…these companies and countless others like them are more than just names on buildings…these are our neighbors and friends. Without the contributions these companies make, our community would not be what it is today. Making sure that Findlay continues our long-standing relationships with our corporate friends, as well as cultivating new ones with organizations that will be a great fit for our area, should be a priority for our community.
The entrepreneurial spirit is alive within Findlay, but is in danger of being driven away by many factors. Unfortunately, an individual has to look no further that our front porch, Main Street, to see a number of empty store fronts that local shops once called home. National franchises offering low-cost goods and services are important for our community and a great deal of our citizens. The good things these retailers bring to our area, however, should not come at a cost to local competitors. Those who believe a small company cannot compete do not understand the power and value local businesses hold: knowledgeable, friendly employees, outstanding service and quality products. I would like to see that smaller companies are in a position where they can enjoy the same advantages as the larger industry.
To achieve these goals, I will appoint a Mayor's Economic Development and Advisory Cabinet (MEDAC) to look at how our community will:
- Develop an environment that keeps an attracts a positive and trained work force
- Maintain and cultivate business relationship that are a good fit for our community
- Implement ideas that strengthen local companies and entrepreneurs
- Expand and develop economic services that can promote the quality of life
- Seek out opinions, feedback and concerns from everyone in the community
- Put the interests and welfare of our residents first
Working with local citizens, business and community leaders, Greater Findlay Inc. and the nearly 1000 members they represent, we have the knowledge and expertise to solve these issues as well as strengthen our community for the future. There will be plenty of discussion regarding how we achieve our goals. What we need to focus on, however, is that the plans we make today are for the accomplishments we seek tomorrow. |
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