fresno elections 2008

As an accountant, I am for it if we can find the money.

First, we have to address the awful deficits that are sapping our children’s future and threatening their well being. Bestowing huge debts unto the new generation, has been characterized by some as “fiscal child abuse”. Parents want to leave something of substance to their offspring. We chose deficits. It has been estimated that for our children to enjoy the same standard of living as we do and afford the same safety, their taxes have to be doubled (The coming generational storm, MIT Press 2003).

I have supported this effort and believe this is a key factor for our economic development efforts for the unincorporated areas.

The City of Fresno is essentially doing the same thing. The City and County should be working together to share costs and benefits instead of operating at potentially cross purposes. This is a perfect example where consolidation of services would be of great benefit.

I think this is a great idea. Businesses need to have shovel-ready sites when they are looking to locate in a community. They can not wait 2 or 3 years for an environmental impact report. Businesses always look for the path of least resistance. If business parks are in place we have something to market to the rest of the world as well as businesses looking to expand in the county.

There are a large number of people and organizations dedicated to improving our economic condition. Among these are the San Joaquin Valley Partnership and the San Joaquin Valley Blueprint as well as traditional organizations such as chambers of commerce and the Economic Development Corporation.

There are many possible tools to encourage economic activity. Having a large area available for siting of new enterprises with supporting transportation and communications infrastructure can be of immense value.

Any such proposal would need to be fully vetted for suitability that consider such factors as impact on existing and future transportation systems, adequacy of water supply,
impacts on air quality, competitiveness and sustainability of anticipated enterprises, and respect for property rights. Embracing the concept is simple. Developing the right plan
for the right location is the challenge.