[Vision2020] Anti-business mantra contrived

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of today's (December 24, 2014) Moscow-Pullman Daily News with a special thanks to Nancy Chaney.

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Her View: Anti-business mantra contrived
Nancy Chaney
The suggestion that Moscow was ever not "open for business" is ludicrous ("A shift in politics," Dec. 20 & 21). The "Moscow is anti-business" mantra was contrived by the Greater Moscow Alliance and its political action committee, endangering Moscow's economy for the sake of ousting political adversaries.
Economic development will occur, not because GMA candidates prevailed in elections, but because we've built on predecessors' accomplishments, because community-minded citizens contribute land, labor, materials or money for the collective good, and because in dynamic systems, change happens. Whether development occurs thoughtfully or haphazardly is the variable.
As mayor, I chose the thoughtful approach:
Developing resources for businesses to help themselves. Started Palouse Knowledge Corridor as economic engine to capitalize on universities. Launched industrial park master-plan for professional-technical job-creation. Advocated mixed-use zoning to accommodate live-work arrangements. Secured funding, technical assistance to incentivize clean-up, redevelopment of contaminated brownfields. Pursued business registration to promote complementary business clustering and allow emergency responders to identify contacts in case of fire, break-in, etc. Created economic development specialist position. Helped secure public-private optical fiber installation. Lobbied to preserve community development block grants and capacity for urban renewal. Offered free energy audits to help businesses reduce consumption and save money.
Facilitating beneficial alliances. Solicited Schweitzer Engineering, Costco and others. Reached out to conference and tour organizers to promote tourism. Facilitated promotion of arts, local foods, bike trails to attract/retain residents, businesses. Supported Buy Local Moscow. Led delegation to Japan to identify economic development opportunities. Encouraged UI to expand retail north of Palouse Mall. Participated in campus business plan competitions. Worked with Latah Economic Development Council, Moscow Chamber of Commerce, North Idaho Mayor's Coalition, Inland Northwest Partners, Palouse Confluence/ Quad-Cities Task Force, Latah County Mayors' Roundtable.
Recognizing good work. Showcased local businesses in state of the city addresses. Acknowledged water-conserving businesses with Wisescape awards. Awarded green building medallions to energy-efficient projects. Thanked businesses that invested in community, like New Saint Andrews' and Wal-Mart's contributions to public transit.
Taking an integrated, holistic approach. Linked groundwater conservation, alternative water supply, shared resource management to economic sustainability. Invested in multi-modal transportation infrastructure that supports commerce. Helped establish CHAS federally qualified health center, which creates jobs, provides safety net for vulnerable citizens, including workers. Advocated for Family Promise, to help homeless families achieve independence, including employment assistance.
Being a champion for Moscow. Featured Moscow on state, national, international stages as model for collaborative development. Personally welcomed new businesses. Kept state, federal officials informed about local needs. Showcased businesses to visiting dignitaries, conventioneers. Made it personal. (Anyone I saw in Harley Davidson apparel, anywhere in the world, likely received my card with an endorsement for BikeTronics.)
GMA and its PAC membership rosters read like a who's who of special interests. Conversely, government represents everyone, not just sectors with deep pockets, political influence or vindictive motives for voting. GMA affiliates espouse hands-off, "small government" except when receiving public incentives (which I supported) for projects like the EMSI building in the urban renewal district downtown, or shared public-private investment in sidewalk projects.
Moscow's politics will eventually swing back toward center and equilibrium. Until then, it is my fervent hope that the mistaken idea that government is the enemy does not take root here. Government ought to be an extension of citizens it represents, willing to expend time and effort to address the breadth of community issues. The public's role is to be vigilant and constructively engaged, so narrow interests don't outweigh the greater good.
Moscow has wide-ranging opportunities for economic development, but the GMA's self-interested, anti-government approach is dangerous and antiquated.
If we deplete resources, procrastinate on investing in public infrastructure, neglect aesthetics, ignore health and safety or fail to assist marginalized community members, we all lose. Even-handed regulations protect this and future generations. Moscow ought to be in it for the long haul. Hopefully, future City Councils will agree, regardless of what the GMA says.

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http://www.tomandrodna.com/soundbites/Who_Dat_060214.mp3

Stay tuned, Moscow, because . . .

"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)
http://www.MoscowCares.com
  
Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho
   
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