Why not: let's give Ashley Allen a triple shot for the day! Here's an open letter Mr. Allen has posted on his community development Facebook page:
Ask yourself these questions: How do you define economic development? Would you say that it is the creation of new jobs or new businesses? Is it retaining or expanding the existing businesses in the community? Is it investing in local infrastructure or public works? Is it redistributing public funds to private businesses? Is it continuing to fund initiatives that have had mixed results in the past?
The City Commission voted to approve the first reading of the 2012 Madison budget on Tuesday night. In that budget is approximately $140,000 dollars committed to the Lake Area Improvement Corporation, a private non-profit organization tasked with creating and retaining businesses in Lake County. This money is given to the LAIC by our local government as an investment to help with local economic development and hopefully stimulate job growth.
I raised concerns about this funding allocation at the meeting Tuesday night. The fact is we have had a net loss of jobs in Madison in the last 5 years. I feel that we have not been given factual answers about the successes and failures of the LAIC, nor do I understand its vision for future growth. While I have seen the LAIC make deals to retain and or expand existing manufacturing businesses, the retail sector is stagnant and we have seen few new businesses created. Our limited gains in economic development have been offset by the loss of jobs and retail options. These are facts that we must recognize.
Last night I asked the Madison City Commission to not give any public funds to the LAIC in 2012. I would like to see the Lake County Commission do the same thing. This would send a clear message to the LAIC that we do not pay for the potential of economic development, but for actual job creation and economic growth. When we give away public funds to a private corporation, the only way we can truly hold that corporation accountable is by eliminating the funding. We need to explore "pay for performance" options and evaluate our overall strategy for economic growth.
I struggle to understand how we are defining economic growth in Madison, as many of the statistics that have been reviewed and made public indicate there hasn't been much progress in the last 5 years. Beyond the numbers, it sure feels like we have had too many losses in our community.
I applaud those who serve in public office and recognize that there are compromises and concessions that must be made when working toward the advancement of the community. I also recognize that economic development is complex and is influenced by larger economic trends. However, we as members of this community have a responsibility to keep our public officers honest and must hold any person or organization that takes public funding responsible for their/its actions. Asking questions and demanding fair solutions is part of our patriotic duty. I hope our elected officials will help in the effort to define a new vision for economic development and will help put pressure on the private LAIC organization to be more forthcoming and open with the public.
I want to encourage more public debate on economic development issues. We cannot be afraid to try new ideas or look at alternative options. I hope that more citizens will step forward in voicing their opinions, attend meetings, and write letters to local leaders. Things will only change if we all stand up and get involved. All of us want to see Madison grow and prosper.
Ashley Allen