While most politicians talk about getting the next 4,000 employee Lockheed Martin to locate here, there is a slim chance of that becoming a reality. New York State and Broome County are competing against warmer climate and lower tax states. In addition, Broome County has an aging utility infrastructure such as wastewater treatment capacity. In order to accommodate a large company, we would need to consider the creation of a new Industrial Park as the present Park is near capacity with little or no room for expansion. There is also a shortage of large, modern buildings to offer a prospective company. These are not insurmountable problems. But ones that need to be addressed.

We seem to be in a 20-year transformation to a creative, knowledge based economy with a healthy mix of small and medium-sized businesses. One example of economic development leadership is Southern Tier Opportunity Coalition. Formed in 2002, STOC combines the best local academic and private sector minds to provide a knowledgeable contact for regional business development. This is the type of collective action needed for the region to successfully make the transition to a knowledge based economy. I believe that our immediate future lies with new and existing small businesses. I also believe that we need to create special incentives such as internships, entrepreneurial and other programs that would be designed to retain our young people and encourage them to start a business here. We should also be looking at how we can retain businesses here in Broome County.

The County paid a great deal of taxpayer money for the BC Plan in 2002 and while there were many good suggestions to assist the county in economic development, I also believe that we need to make updates to the plan that will better reflect our present economic status and the many challenges that we face today and in the future. We need to do whatever is possible to nurture and help to grow new and existing small business.

We need to continue to work in a coordinated effort with groups such as the Greater Binghamton Chamber, Industrial Development Agency, and Small Business Development Center at Binghamton University, SCORE and Broome Community College all designed to assist small businesses. When joined together as a collaborating unit, much can be accomplished. We have great entrepreneurs developing companies right here and right now. Their success means more jobs and more opportunities, enriching quality of life for Broome County residents. Our local entrepreneurs support our community in many ways such as monetary donations, in-kind donations, sponsorships, and internships that larger companies are not always able to do.

In my 12 years as Town of Dickinson Supervisor, our town has seen a great deal of economic development that has been very successful with many jobs created at all levels. We had a vision of what Front St. and other areas of our Town could offer in terms of quality developments that not only served our residents but also brings in many of the thousands of travelers who pass through Broome County each and everyday. It took leadership, teamwork and vision for the future to make our developments become a reality. Cracker Barrel, Marriott-Fairfield Hotel, Applebee’s, Quiznos, Starbucks, Cold Stone Dairy, Regal Cinemas, Extra-Mart, McDonalds and others are an example of good planning and leadership.

In Upstate New York, there are multi-county economic development partnerships: the Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, and Rochester regions have all joined together for a common cause in regard to economic development. Binghamton has been invited by the Syracuse Metropolitan Development Association to join their group. While there are many questions and concerns regarding this effort, we should conduct a thorough investigation and serious consideration to join. Alternatively, since regional cooperative, not competitive, planning can help Broome; I’d propose a meeting of Broome, Tioga and Chemung county leaders to see if our 3 counties should have a more formal planning relationship. We should promote Broome County to the outside world through web sites, radio and television. A strong marketing strategy coupled with teamwork will be necessary to get Broome County back on track in terms of economic development.

We may want to begin researching the future of aviation in Binghamton and for that matter, the broader region. There has been discussion in the past to purchase a large tract of land that could serve the Ithaca, Elmira and Binghamton markets. This may still be a long-term option and should be investigated while at the same time, assure our local and regional businesses that we will continue to provide the best service possible here at the Great Binghamton Airport. While regionalism is sometimes looked at as a “bad word”, we need to put everything on the table in order for us to move ahead.

Thank you for visiting my website and for reading my view of this topic. I hope that you see the difference in my beliefs and approach from Ms. Fiala’s administration. Won’t you help me get the word out to others? Will you put a lawn sign in your yard or would you like some information cards about my campaign mailed to you? And most importantly, please send a donation so that I can continue our fight. Please see the HOW TO HELP page more information on how to support my campaign.Thank you.