Improving the economy more than weekend events
To the Editor:
It’s good to see there has been recent discussion about the economy in Klickitat County in general and Goldendale in particular. In Goldendale, this discussion has centered around what direction the various festivals and events should take.
This is all well and good, but it doesn’t address some serious issues. To keep the math simple, let’s say Goldendale has 10 events per year. So for 10 weekends out of 52 the town is busy and the cash registers are ringing. What about the other 42 weeks out of the year? To call that job creation is a stretch. Anybody who is hired to work those weekends would have a temporary, part time job, at best. I’m not saying tourism should not be a part of the local economy, but that it should only be a part of it.
I’ve lived in Goldendale my whole life (46 years so far), so I’ve seen a lot changes - good and bad. I also see the potential of what is here. One of the greatest resources Goldendale has is its people. Growing up in a rural background, people develop a strong work ethic, problem solving skills and a “get ‘er done” attitude. This, along with the location and natural beauty, should make our town very attractive for a business to start, relocate or expand here.
With all that Goldendale has going for it, why isn’t the town booming?
Yes, I realize the national economy isn’t in the best shape right now but it will likely improve. So what else is holding us up? We have space available in the industrial park, infrastructure and a workforce. With these things in place the talk of the town should be growth, but everybody is talking about the lack of it. Are there people in leadership roles in town that, for whatever reason, are actually afraid of growth? Do companies looking for locations know what Goldendale has to offer? Has anybody talked to the state government about tax breaks for a company locating here and/or help for the city so they could waive some of the fees, etc. for those companies? Are we getting the most bang for the buck from our economic development monies being spent?
There are bright spots on this issue, the wind energy projects being one, but I think more can be done. From my viewpoint, what is being done now isn’t working, so new questions, ideas and direction need to be on the table. The hardest question may be this: Are the right people sitting at the table with Goldendale’s future on it?
James Shelton
Goldendale
Could it be domestic terrorism?
To the Editor:
In 2001, after the World Trade Center towers came tumbling down, our government was paralyzed by the anthrax attack on congress.
Osama Bin Ladin, of an organization called al-Qaida, claimed credit for the destruction of the towers. The letters sent with live anthrax had the following message: death to America, death to Israel, Allah is great.
Fear gripped the most powerful country on earth. The anthrax attack, more than anything else, indicated these attacks were continuing and we were under siege. Iraq was quickly blamed.
However, as the FBI and others began testing the anthrax, they found that it was a strain of bacteria developed at Fort Detrick - a biological research center in our own country. A researcher named Steven Hatfill was blamed. After some years he was able to prove his innocence, sued the government for defamation, and was rewarded over $5 million.
Recently, it came to light that another researcher named Bruce Ivins, at the same laboratory, was about to be charged with the anthrax attacks. Before charges were filled, Ivins supposedly, ingested enough pills to commit suicide. Now the government tells us the case has been solved.
Because of the fear, we are at war with two countries, thousands of our soldiers are dead or maimed, more thousands of Iraqis and Afghans are dead and maimed, the Patriot Act was passed - which markedly reduces our freedoms - and many people are in prison and have yet to see a courtroom.
If a screenwriter were to create the above scenario, people would give the film a very poor rating. That is exactly what the people of our country should give our present congress, president and vice president.
Robert Seborer
Goldendale
Relieved at return of wallet
To the Editor:
Some very honest citizen returned my wallet that I had lost Monday morning. You left no identification so I cannot reward you or say thank you on person, but know I am eternally grateful for your kindness. Thank you so much.
Esther Hansel
Goldendale
|
