|
Vermont's EconomyI strongly believe we can stimulate the Vermont economy by electing effective legislative leadership capable of recognizing the needs of business. Presently our infrastructure is deteriorating, our tax base is shrinking and we're not experiencing meaningful job growth. The first thing we need to do is decide if we are open for business. Our permit process sends a signal to potential investors, few of which are willing to gamble a large investment in Vermont while some Vermont businesses are finding it easier to leave the state than expand here. If we look at the process Wal-Mart has gone through, ask yourselves, would any of us want to invest here? Our energy future has been brought into question and business requires energy at competitive rates. We should be offering potential investors an incentive package, assigning them a contact person and walking them through the permit process to give them a chance at being competitive with other regions. We need to update our transportation and communication infrastructure to become better connected with the mainstream of business around the world. If we look at our region for its beauty, the environment and integrity of the workforce, business should be knocking at our door. Vermont is our business; we are the investors who will either suffer or prosper as a result of our decisions. If it was my business to run, I would put together a team of capable business people and focus on prospering, I don't want to suffer, the Vermont economy does not have to suffer.
|
|
CONTACT : billrowell@billrowell.org |
