| Recently Forbes Magazine recognized Springfield as one of America's Fastest Dying Cities. The designation was based partly on our dwindling population and the local 5.9% unemployment rate. In fairness, the article is referring to the NECTA*, defined as a core urban area and adjacent territories. However, Springfield is this region's economic hub and engine. In addition, Maureen Turner penned for the Advocate, an article entitled Up In Smoke. The subtext of her article was "Could Smart Leaders Have Prevented Springfield's Near Collapse...And Can They Save It Now?" Links are provided below to access both articles. *New England City and Town Area which is comparative to a Metropolitan Statistical Area The Forbes article did not acknowledge the positive economic benefits of expansion at BayState Medical Center, or the new Federal Courthouse and revitalization of the State Street corridor. In addition Springfield has development activity at the riverfront area near the Basketball Hall of Fame and we will see in the near future a WNEC Pharmaceutical School, probably a state Data Recovery Center, a new shopping complex at the old Westinghouse plant and a hospitality/retail venue at 31 Elm St. Add to that, call center jobs created here by Liberty Mutual. A major economic stimulus for the area, a commuter rail link from New Haven to Springfield has gained support and momentum. Culturally, this city is host to parades, free concerts, basketball tournaments and farmers' markets and even Shakespearean theater in Forest Park. Thousands enjoy what this city has to offer. Dying is not an accurate term to describe this region as an economic body. We were about to flatline due to crime, corruption and mismanagement. Changes in city hall, along with the establishment of the Finance Control Board, a $52 million loan and the election of a supportive governor have resulted in a much brighter prognosis. The Advocate article, based on an interview and writings of Robert Forrant, a UMass-Lowell professor, focused not just on our economic down turns, but the role of political leadership in our decline. Those who read the article will form their own opinion about how and why this area lost jobs and population. NAFTA, manufacturing shifts over the years to the sun belt and offshore, in addition to a sagging economy have to be factored in. However, Springfield has elected and reelected some individuals who failed to exert leadership in the well being and expansion our local economy. We have seen mid-term campaigns by city councilors seeking state office. When have we seen a city councilor conduct a campaign on behalf of economic development. Have any of our local officials ever taken time to write Toyota or Honda and ask what it would take to locate a plant to this area. Do we have anyone in office willing to stand up and say, "I want to see better economic development for this city and region, let's work together and make things happen." |
springfieldmedia.com
| STATE of the CITY |
| Will Springfield's New Federal Courthouse and development along the State Street Corridor help reverse the economic decline of the city. |
| Local officials may not have had the power to prevent Danaher Tool Group from closing their north end plant costing this area 300 jobs. However, elected officials should demonstrate leadership. Grandstanding, NO, but taking a stand, should be mandatory. We should not be electing candidates who lack a plan for economic revitalization. |
| When voters attend events like this October, 2007 debate between Charlie Ryan and Dom Sarno, we need to demand that concrete plans and strategies addressing economic development be made. |
| We have to start looking at each tax dollar spent as an investment. The goal is the overall economic vitality of Springfield and this region. No longer can we afford to waste tax dollars. Longhill Gardens, at left, is an example of a decision that will negatively impact property values, quality of life and local economic development. |
| The gate is no longer locked to an economic renaissance for Springfield. By electing leaders committed to economic development and holding them responsible and accountable we will again be the great and thriving Springfield, economic hub and engine. |
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