Growing the Economy

When referring to Erie County’s economy, the current County Executive exclaimed, “Grow or die.” He told voters to judge him on whether Erie County grows or not, and I think they should. In March, the release of the 2010 census figures provided a stark reminder of our stagnating economy and lack of growth. While every other area in Upstate New York had reason for optimism because of modest population growth, Erie County lost more than 30,000 people.

Instead of working together as a County and doing whatever possible to attract new business to relocate into the area or grow and sustain current businesses, we are acting as individual towns and cities fighting among ourselves to attract businesses. The reality is we’re not creating new jobs we’re merely shifting existing jobs to one town at the expense of another.

We can change this troubling trend by consolidating Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs). Right now, Erie County has too many IDAs. Having so many agencies with overlapping areas of responsibility, different mission statements and goals for development does little more than confuse businesses and force them to navigate a maze of red tape. By consolidating we can develop a comprehensive plan for economic development designed to help the region as a whole, reduce the administrative costs of having a dozen different offices, and ensure the more equitable distribution of tax exemptions.

From my time in the private sector, I learned government can’t create jobs; it can, however, create an economic climate that allows business and industry to grow and create jobs.