Please visit my campaign Website - Harry Hipps for Council
Augmenting my platform. My platform is a general overview of what I think and what I want to focus on when elected. Of course, I can’t explain every nuance in such a document so I will be doing a series of articles here to go into more depth.
Clique politicians and a disengaged public. No politician in their right mind would come out and say that they don’t want the media, the public, or anyone else kept out of the loop of information. Open government is like Mom and apple pie, no one can argue against it. But extolling the virtues of open government and actually practicing it are two different things. Having asked questions and observed what is going on in Hickory for a while now, I can tell you that the attitude of many, if not most of our elected officials in Hickory is hostile towards information being widely known and too many people in the know. The dominant attitude is a patronizing one. They want to make the decisions behind closed doors, coming to a consensus among the clique of insiders and a small group of cronies. Council meetings draw almost no one and in some ways I can understand why.
Most people nowdays are very busy, working, dealing with kids, school, doctors, church, and many other demands on our time. Council meetings are not televised or put on the internet, except in text form some time after the meeting has occurred. This is a shame in the age of the internet. I would guarantee that if the public could see who asks questions, who seems disengaged, who is too meek to speak up, who gets a little testy at times, etc. there would be a very different perception of our City government.
The few members of the public that do attend Council meetings get a few pages summarizing what business will be conducted that evening while Council members get a booklet with much more background and detail. Well, why is this information not available online before the meeting so people can be well informed before decisions are made? Obviously, the public’s knowledge or input is not wanted. Plus, it’s clear that because information is so hard to come by it gives City leaders an edge to stifle debate. On First Talk with Hal Row on WHKY radio, Jill Patton said she wanted to be reelected (and the Mayor has stated this as well) because the Mayor and Council “are of one mind”. This is extremely scary to me. Clearly, new ideas and approaches, diversity of opinion, making connections to the whole public, embracing the transformation of Hickory in our rapidly changing world by making connections to the larger community (and indeed globally) is not what the incumbents want and I believe this is one reason Hickory has been in a malaise since Rudy Wright took office.
Fortress Hickory. The level of anxiety, worry, and fear in Hickory is palpable. I have spoken to many people who are struggling now and are very fearful of the future. My heart sinks when a hard working dad or single mom tells me they are having trouble sleeping at night because of the worries they have. In the midst of this we have heard for years now that “things are turning around in Hickory”, “I believe this will be Hickory’s year”, and “it can’t last forever” . A “Fortress Hickory” mentality has taken hold among many of our City leaders. Their attitude is to downplay the problems and act like it’s not as bad as it seems, blame the US and Raleigh and not accept any responsibility locally, and tell folks there are secret deals being cooked up in the back room that can’t be discussed publicly now, but when they come through we will be flying high again. Well, there’s an old saying: fool me once, shame on you fool me twice, shame on me. These arguments have been made for years now and people have been patient with our leadership. Rather than trying to excel, we have lowered our expectations and accept anything out of fear that things could get worse.
The facts are that Hickory’s economy was fundamentally, structurally changed by globalization. This is not a temporary slowdown, it is irreversible change. Our City was very slow to recognize this and has still not adequately responded to it. When the National economy was good and growing, Hickory’s growth has been below par. When we have been in slow growth or recessionary times, Hickory has plunged much more than most. We are almost at the bottom of all MSA’s in the entire country. And it took the whole country pointing this out in national newspapers before our Mayor and City leaders would finally admit it.
Business as usual. During the last few years, even with the poor growth and malaise that we are experiencing, it has been business as usual in Fortress Hickory. We have developed a reputation for being inconsistent, nitpicky, and a hard place to set up a business. My opponent in this election has sided with the micromanagers and has not helped to make Hickory a business friendly community. Hickory has had a high and mighty attitude that has turned off business and community leaders around us. We need to ask why Newton got Target, Lenoir got Google, Maiden got Apple, and Hickory got a couple of call centers one of which is a startup. I appreciated these business locating in Hickory but we have to ask why the biggest names went around Hickory and not in Hickory. Why are we acting like we have all the cards when our relevance to the surrounding area is diminishing?
What do we do now? How can we start to transform and revitalize Hickory? First, we need to look honestly at where we are. Let’s look at our assets and weaknesses – the good, the bad, and the ugly. We need honesty and openness. The truth will set you free. Then we need to unlock the creativity and energy of our people. This area used to be a hotbed of innovation. Entrepreneurs, like Marshall Digh made Mom and Pops, Art Viles made Superior Cable, Joe Long, Adrian Shuford and many more stepped up and made things happen. Let’s get this culture back. I saw a business on NC Now not long ago about a guy that built a building of wind tunnels and you can simulate what it’s like to parachute even though you’re only about five feet off the ground. People who want to try out parachuting but are scared can try it out safely. Military guys from Eastern Europe and other parts of the world can train quicker and cheaper here than by doing it all from planes. This business is in Pantego. Why not Hickory? Where are our creative ideas? Let’s try to inspire and unlock the drive of our citizens and not retreat into Fortress Hickory. Now is not the time to hide under a rock and come out when the sun is shining. Now is the time to reach out worldwide and make connections.
In the Future Economy Council there has been much discussion about our rapidly changing world and economy. One thing is clear: the pace of change is fast and unpredictable. We can’t always predict what events and changes are going to come at us. So we have to develop capacities to adapt to a fast, mobile world. Over a century ago, textile mills and furniture factories set up shop and provided Hickory with good jobs, an inflow of money, and stability for over a century. It is doubtful that anything will be as dominant or last as long in the future so we have to embrace the facts of the new world. We can’t do this in Fortress Hickory in a back room filled with a few chosen, anointed insiders. It’s going to take all of us.
We also have to realize that we can’t always micromanage everything in Hickory. While I don’t advocate a totally hands off, let the market do what it will approach, we can’t treat interested corporations and individuals as lackeys and expect them to want to do business here.
So what can I, Harry Hipps, as a Council member bring to the table? First, I am honest, a clear thinker and not concerned for my status or ego. My desire is for us to rebuild our economy and change the way we govern.
I will fight to make more information available online so people can see more of what is going on. We need to have this available to the public as fast as possible. I will email, to anyone who is interested, a link to Council agendas. You can see what will be discussed and voted on. You can email me back with your thoughts and concerns and I would welcome your input before the vote is taken. The internet should be used to bring more people into the process.
I will be diligent in making sure that “closed door” meetings aren’t being abused. Hickory WILL follow the spirit and letter of the law and we even need to look at the State law to tighten the rules.
My firm belief is that openness and light is sorely needed in Hickory. There are too many questionable things being done out of sight and not surprisingly this is where some of the dirtiest deeds get done. If we allow Fortress Hickory to continue, and most of the public remains in the dark we are never going to reach our potential. I ask for your help in transforming and revitalizing Hickory. I ask for you support and your vote. God Bless you and our City.
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Monday, July 13, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Mayor Wright & Hickory -- Metaphors, Analogies, and Explanations
I have stated many times that my opinion of this city's leadership is not a personal issue. I am sure that many people, especially who are politicos by nature, are worried about the consequences of my words. In the end, I am entitled to my opinion and I believe others are entitled to theirs.
In my opinion, there has been a general acceptance of the status quo that seems to be ingrained in the attitudes of the local citizenry. Here is one such comment I read on the HDR website from joshsnc,
Yes, I understand that we have a City Manager form of local government. Does that absolve the Mayor and City Council in the decision making process, when they interviewed and then hire City Manager Berry? Is he supposedly responsible for everything? Folks, you do understand that they always have the ability to fire him, don't you? So who is really in charge?
And guess who brings city issues forward and votes on them? The Mayor and the City Council. The only thing the City Manager (and staff) can do is recommend. City Manager Berry has no vote!!!
Our City Manager form of government basically gives the Mayor and Council cover. This puts the Mayor, Council, and City Manager in the position of protecting one anothers' interests and what we have seen, in my opinion, is our City Manager looking to please the Council and our Council waiting for Manager Berry to lead the way -- this after they ran off City Manager McGee, because he was McDonald's boy.
I hold no animosity towards the Mayor, when I say that I believe Hickory has been directionless for 8 years. These are revolutionary times we are living in and I just don't think the Mayor understands that. I think he, and most of the council, have a sense that they are vested in Hickory, but what they see as "Hickory" is the "Old Hickory" -- Textiles, Furniture, Mills, and Factories. Maybe it is a generational issue, but I don't sense that they can envision the new era that this world demands that Hickory move into.
Our Mayor is an Accountant. Accountants are by nature "Bean Counters," living in a world of Debits and Credits, pluses and minuses, zero-sum... Accountants don't typically grasp compounding interest, exponential growth, or present and future value of assets like Finance Managers have to. We are living in times of exponential change. "Old Hickory" was developed with a structure of simple bookkeeping in simple ledgers with a simple business model. An era of modern global industry demands much more than that.
I think our mayor in many ways has been a metaphor for "Old Hickory." He's a Baby Boomer as are most of our "Old Hickory" citizens. He is headed towards retirement, so he seems to be primarily focused on AARP issues, which is understandable. He is pretty much settled in life and I think he is comfortable with who he is, which is a good thing.
"New Hickory" is represented by people who are struggling to find themselves and their identity in a world that no longer has a road map, while trying to break free from the constraints placed on it by the interests of "Old Hickory." "New Hickory" wants to join in with this new world's "Era of the Technologists," and is willing to take more chances and be more creative, but "Old Hickory" is worried about what they construe to be risky ventures.
Both sides represent valid points of view, but "New Hickory" has much more at stake in this adventure, because their future (THE FUTURE) is imperiled. What we need to see is the reality of all of Hickory coming together. "New Hickory" seems to be expected to create their own path to the decision making process. "Old Hickory" does not seem to understand that we have to encourage participation and start grooming the future leaders of this city. Rudy, Sally, Bruce, and Anne can't stay on the Council forever. What is expected, that we stuff'em? (Just kidding, sort of)
I think that "Old Hickory" has always been obsessed with issues of Authoritarian Control and the people of this city were accustomed to being told exactly what to do. I remember the old days of hearing all of the whistles going off during the day at Hickory Chair. People were basically trained when to wake up, toilet, shower, shave, arrive, break, lunch, break, go home, and do it all again tomorrow. The "Powers That Be" made all of the decisions and the citizens were basically told not to worry themselves with details. That arrangement worked fine in the days of Bean Counting and Mass Production, but those days have long since passed. Yet, many of our leaders and citizens are systemically attached to those old ways.
We have to change. It used to be no big deal for teenagers to quit school and go work in a factory. To his credit, Mayor Wright has stressed the need for an educated citizenry and he has railed against the drop-out problem that is now a dead weight burdening our community. The drop out condition was for years fostered by Factories in "Old Hickory," who benefited from the resource of low skilled, yet hard working, labor. What we do with this issue over the next several years will be crucial when it comes to our community's success or failure.
The big question is, what do we do during this period of transformation to bridge the divide between Hickory's old and new foundations? The answer is definitely not to throw your hands up in the air and say, "We have no control over our economic condition. It's all Washington and Raleigh's fault." That is the easy way out and what does it accomplish?
Time is of the essence and we can't afford "Four more years of no control" and what I mean is guidance. I think our local leaders get lost in issues of control. When they think of control, they think of that "Old Hickory" type of control of training humans like Pavlov's dog. That is the antithesis of what is needed. We need people who are self-motivated and self-disciplined. "Old Hickory" does not motivate people, it dominates them.
So if the Mayor reads this, I hope that he gains a little more insight into where I am coming from. His being the leader of this community needs to go beyond politics. There are things that he should be appreciated for, like championing education and fostering the attitude that city finances be kept in good order. To those I say Bravo.
Why was Rudy Wright elected Mayor of Hickory? Because he has Southern Charm and people don't perceive him to be a big businessman. The people around here dislike "Old Hickory" big businessmen, because they were looked at as domineering masters and they don't like developers, because they were taught "they are con men" by the "Powers that Be." People see Mayor Wright as being a small businessman, who owns a small sign shop company. They like the fact that he remembers their name and cares about their personal being. He has an excellent personal touch. He is also a good campaigner who sticks to a couple of boilerplate issues and keeps up with current events.
Is this good for our future? No, we have to have someone to move passed campaigning and understand that we are in revolutionary times that require a visionary who does not look at the "here and now" as a static event, but realizes that dynamics have played out and are going to have a direct impact on the future. Consistent (versus arbitrary) decision making leads to a more predictable future, because it reduces the variables in play. When that happens, then the players (developers and business owners) are more willing to play, because they don't feel like the ref is going to play a role in the final outcome (ie - the local government isn't going to cost me a lot of money because of poor decision making, cronyism, fraud, or they just don't like me).
Can Rudy still make it happen? Certainly, but he's got to look at life as though he is still trying to make it, instead of already having made it. He can't only look through a personal politicos prism. This can't be about ego. We have to have opportunity for everyone in this community. Mayor Wright has this thing where he talks about investments as Yes, No, Maybe Later. That is great for today, but Mr. Mayor what are you going to hand off when you finally do leave office. That needs to be your Vision, not how do we get through this day. We may as well give up, if there is no hope or opportunity in our future.
The Hound Believes that the citizens of this city have taken on a lot of the characteristics of this Mayor (or is it the other way around). Everyday I hear people railing over mindless current events that don't personally effect us, while we have real issues with out of control crime hitting real close to home right here in Hickory. People crying about how restaurants are robbing them (too expensive), while the city pays a lobbyist $50,000 for nothing fruitful and $50,000 and other amenities to a Downtown Development Association that has no quantitative goals or accountability. People going crazy about Backroom deals, in Washington and Raleigh, while the same appears to have been frequently happening in Council Chambers.
Yes sir, I have said it before and I will say it again. We the People are the government and if we don't start demanding results, then we will see none. If we don't expect openness, then we shouldn't cry when the surprise hits the fan. We all have to work together to create hope for the future. The Mayor and Council have to play a role in getting this community to buy-in to that future. Everyone should feel welcomed at city functions and city leaders shouldn't be giving people that "What are you doing here?" look.
Business as usual is a cancer in this community. Everyone better start investing more time, energy, and money in the future or that future is going to be a certain disaster. None of us should have to be burdened with the prospects of a Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda Future. To avoid those negative consequences, we must seize this opportunity to transform our city and create a Can Do, Shall Do, Will Do Culture.
In my opinion, there has been a general acceptance of the status quo that seems to be ingrained in the attitudes of the local citizenry. Here is one such comment I read on the HDR website from joshsnc,
"Interesting to read the comments, and how out of touch some are. I am not sure you really understand what the roll of Mayor is in a town like Hickory where you have Town Manager and other professional rolls in place. What does Mayor Wright have to do with our Federal Govts decisions which have killed our local economy? Blame NAFTA blame Unfair trade practices, blame the leadership over the past 50 years for allowing textiles and furniture to be our main industries but don't blame the Mayor... geeze.I have never said that the Mayor is this city's problem. What I have said is that he can and should do better. There has been an acceptance that we can't do better, because of external forces; that the State and Federal Governments hold all of the cards when it comes to our Economic Development and none of our plight is our current local government's fault. I cannot accept that conclusion.
Yes, I understand that we have a City Manager form of local government. Does that absolve the Mayor and City Council in the decision making process, when they interviewed and then hire City Manager Berry? Is he supposedly responsible for everything? Folks, you do understand that they always have the ability to fire him, don't you? So who is really in charge?
And guess who brings city issues forward and votes on them? The Mayor and the City Council. The only thing the City Manager (and staff) can do is recommend. City Manager Berry has no vote!!!
Our City Manager form of government basically gives the Mayor and Council cover. This puts the Mayor, Council, and City Manager in the position of protecting one anothers' interests and what we have seen, in my opinion, is our City Manager looking to please the Council and our Council waiting for Manager Berry to lead the way -- this after they ran off City Manager McGee, because he was McDonald's boy.
I hold no animosity towards the Mayor, when I say that I believe Hickory has been directionless for 8 years. These are revolutionary times we are living in and I just don't think the Mayor understands that. I think he, and most of the council, have a sense that they are vested in Hickory, but what they see as "Hickory" is the "Old Hickory" -- Textiles, Furniture, Mills, and Factories. Maybe it is a generational issue, but I don't sense that they can envision the new era that this world demands that Hickory move into.
Our Mayor is an Accountant. Accountants are by nature "Bean Counters," living in a world of Debits and Credits, pluses and minuses, zero-sum... Accountants don't typically grasp compounding interest, exponential growth, or present and future value of assets like Finance Managers have to. We are living in times of exponential change. "Old Hickory" was developed with a structure of simple bookkeeping in simple ledgers with a simple business model. An era of modern global industry demands much more than that.
I think our mayor in many ways has been a metaphor for "Old Hickory." He's a Baby Boomer as are most of our "Old Hickory" citizens. He is headed towards retirement, so he seems to be primarily focused on AARP issues, which is understandable. He is pretty much settled in life and I think he is comfortable with who he is, which is a good thing.
"New Hickory" is represented by people who are struggling to find themselves and their identity in a world that no longer has a road map, while trying to break free from the constraints placed on it by the interests of "Old Hickory." "New Hickory" wants to join in with this new world's "Era of the Technologists," and is willing to take more chances and be more creative, but "Old Hickory" is worried about what they construe to be risky ventures.
Both sides represent valid points of view, but "New Hickory" has much more at stake in this adventure, because their future (THE FUTURE) is imperiled. What we need to see is the reality of all of Hickory coming together. "New Hickory" seems to be expected to create their own path to the decision making process. "Old Hickory" does not seem to understand that we have to encourage participation and start grooming the future leaders of this city. Rudy, Sally, Bruce, and Anne can't stay on the Council forever. What is expected, that we stuff'em? (Just kidding, sort of)
I think that "Old Hickory" has always been obsessed with issues of Authoritarian Control and the people of this city were accustomed to being told exactly what to do. I remember the old days of hearing all of the whistles going off during the day at Hickory Chair. People were basically trained when to wake up, toilet, shower, shave, arrive, break, lunch, break, go home, and do it all again tomorrow. The "Powers That Be" made all of the decisions and the citizens were basically told not to worry themselves with details. That arrangement worked fine in the days of Bean Counting and Mass Production, but those days have long since passed. Yet, many of our leaders and citizens are systemically attached to those old ways.
We have to change. It used to be no big deal for teenagers to quit school and go work in a factory. To his credit, Mayor Wright has stressed the need for an educated citizenry and he has railed against the drop-out problem that is now a dead weight burdening our community. The drop out condition was for years fostered by Factories in "Old Hickory," who benefited from the resource of low skilled, yet hard working, labor. What we do with this issue over the next several years will be crucial when it comes to our community's success or failure.
The big question is, what do we do during this period of transformation to bridge the divide between Hickory's old and new foundations? The answer is definitely not to throw your hands up in the air and say, "We have no control over our economic condition. It's all Washington and Raleigh's fault." That is the easy way out and what does it accomplish?
Time is of the essence and we can't afford "Four more years of no control" and what I mean is guidance. I think our local leaders get lost in issues of control. When they think of control, they think of that "Old Hickory" type of control of training humans like Pavlov's dog. That is the antithesis of what is needed. We need people who are self-motivated and self-disciplined. "Old Hickory" does not motivate people, it dominates them.
So if the Mayor reads this, I hope that he gains a little more insight into where I am coming from. His being the leader of this community needs to go beyond politics. There are things that he should be appreciated for, like championing education and fostering the attitude that city finances be kept in good order. To those I say Bravo.
Why was Rudy Wright elected Mayor of Hickory? Because he has Southern Charm and people don't perceive him to be a big businessman. The people around here dislike "Old Hickory" big businessmen, because they were looked at as domineering masters and they don't like developers, because they were taught "they are con men" by the "Powers that Be." People see Mayor Wright as being a small businessman, who owns a small sign shop company. They like the fact that he remembers their name and cares about their personal being. He has an excellent personal touch. He is also a good campaigner who sticks to a couple of boilerplate issues and keeps up with current events.
Is this good for our future? No, we have to have someone to move passed campaigning and understand that we are in revolutionary times that require a visionary who does not look at the "here and now" as a static event, but realizes that dynamics have played out and are going to have a direct impact on the future. Consistent (versus arbitrary) decision making leads to a more predictable future, because it reduces the variables in play. When that happens, then the players (developers and business owners) are more willing to play, because they don't feel like the ref is going to play a role in the final outcome (ie - the local government isn't going to cost me a lot of money because of poor decision making, cronyism, fraud, or they just don't like me).
Can Rudy still make it happen? Certainly, but he's got to look at life as though he is still trying to make it, instead of already having made it. He can't only look through a personal politicos prism. This can't be about ego. We have to have opportunity for everyone in this community. Mayor Wright has this thing where he talks about investments as Yes, No, Maybe Later. That is great for today, but Mr. Mayor what are you going to hand off when you finally do leave office. That needs to be your Vision, not how do we get through this day. We may as well give up, if there is no hope or opportunity in our future.
The Hound Believes that the citizens of this city have taken on a lot of the characteristics of this Mayor (or is it the other way around). Everyday I hear people railing over mindless current events that don't personally effect us, while we have real issues with out of control crime hitting real close to home right here in Hickory. People crying about how restaurants are robbing them (too expensive), while the city pays a lobbyist $50,000 for nothing fruitful and $50,000 and other amenities to a Downtown Development Association that has no quantitative goals or accountability. People going crazy about Backroom deals, in Washington and Raleigh, while the same appears to have been frequently happening in Council Chambers.
Yes sir, I have said it before and I will say it again. We the People are the government and if we don't start demanding results, then we will see none. If we don't expect openness, then we shouldn't cry when the surprise hits the fan. We all have to work together to create hope for the future. The Mayor and Council have to play a role in getting this community to buy-in to that future. Everyone should feel welcomed at city functions and city leaders shouldn't be giving people that "What are you doing here?" look.
Business as usual is a cancer in this community. Everyone better start investing more time, energy, and money in the future or that future is going to be a certain disaster. None of us should have to be burdened with the prospects of a Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda Future. To avoid those negative consequences, we must seize this opportunity to transform our city and create a Can Do, Shall Do, Will Do Culture.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Promises, Promises -- Hickory's Pipeline to Nowhere
Two years ago today I started writing an article to the Hickory Daily Record and I had doubts as to whether it would ever be published. I would like to thank the Hickory Daily Record for publishing that first article (on my 41st birthday, July 15, 2007) titled An All-American City Deserves First Class Leadership.
That first article basically laid the foundation for the what I saw as the reality of Hickory. There was a euphoria and elation about being awarded the All-American City title that overshadowed the systemic problems we were facing.
In this article, I laid out the case of Local Government officials unfriendly attitude towards business and the sad state commerce was in two years ago.
What we need is something to rebrand Hickory; some major projects that can be game changers. That is what I was addressing when I was talking about alternative transportation, alternative energy, biotech, and other future technological industries. Thank goodness the Future Economy Council has been established to bring together many forward thinkers in this community to facilitate vital discussions about our future. We are already making headway towards laying a foundation that will move us in a direction that will be highly beneficial in coming years. This isn't about "talking about it." It is about "being about it."
I remember the Monday after the first article came out, Mayor Wright was on Hal Row's show and a caller asked the Mayor and Hal if they saw the editorial over the weekend and they quickly said they didn't and moved on to the next caller. That truly did happen. Why not address what was said? Do you really think they just happened to not read the paper that particular Sunday, when WHKY is constantly reporting items from the Hickory Daily Record? All I have ever wanted is for the Mayor to honestly address legitimate concerns. Many times he does just that and then other times I have been frustrated when he goes and hides in the bunker.
I have never had a conversation with Mrs. Fox. I would be more than willing to sit down and discuss issues with her, but I get the feeling that she doesn't care for me too much. I don't really understand where she is coming from and I get the feeling that she could care less where I am coming from. I was never a member of a clique in school and people that personally know me will vouch for that. I think Mrs. Fox cares about this city in her own way, but I honestly don't think she understands what the average citizen of Hickory is living through at this time. In my opinion, she understands what she perceives are the needs of Downtown and that's just about it.
I have spoken with Mrs. Patton and I do like the lady. She is a very pleasant person to talk to and I think if she wasn't Mrs. Fox's protege that she would have a lot to offer this city. She attends all sorts of city meetings and functions and she does engage the public. The problem is that she marches in lockstep with Sally and she really has not presented a valid progressive agenda during her term. Along with Mrs. Fox, she has been very micro-managerial in her dealings with area business, she has been overly ambitious in championing Union Square issues versus the rest of the city, and she has been arbitrary in interests of business development. It was my hope that at some point she would step out from Sally's shadow, but the valid perception is that she is Sally's second.
The bottom line is that our city has continued to flounder under the guidance of the current city council. Unfortunately, Jill Patton's desire for everyone to be heard has not been followed through on. I believe that she has listened to people and I do commend her for that, but the people I have spoken to feel that things are just as bad as they have always been when it comes to local government attentiveness. In the end, it is not good intentions that matter, it is results, and the results show that she has been unable to persuade her counterparts to change course and be more open with the public. That is what has led to the disenfranchisement that I hear from so many people, out here in the public, that it isn't even funny.
I like Z. Anne Hoyle. I have spoken with her and I truly do believe that she cares and does pay attention to issues. I have witnessed the other Council members ignore (and besmirch) what she is saying on many occasions. I do believe that she represents her community very well and I understand her feelings when it comes to being the lone representative towards African-American issues. If you look at her track record involving business, you will see that she is very supportive of industry, while voicing valid questions about development during debate. I am only disappointed, if she buys into this scheme presented by whomever, that was in the Sunday Charlotte Observer a couple weeks ago, for all of the incumbents to run as a block.
Then, once again, there is the Mayor. In many ways I like the Mayor. He's a good guy. He has an amiable quality that many people in this community truly appreciate. But, the record shows that we have gone nowhere under his leadership. Admittedly, when he took office was in the middle of the dot.com bust and shortly after 9/11 had taken place. Those were difficult circumstances to assume office under. I really think Mayor Wright assumed that everything would come back by just making the City's budget efficient and waiting for the business cycle to turn around.
That did occur to a certain extent, but the City never dealt with the underlying systemic issues that put us in the 2001 predicament to start with. We actually saw unemployment hover in the 5% to 6% range from September 2005 to December 2007 and I know we would give our eye teeth to see those numbers right now, but during that period and thoughout this malaise we have been substantially behind the state and federal unemployment numbers. Folks, that should have been clue number one that we were suffering a major malfunction.
The bottom line is that we weren't changing. We were worried about social issues. The well-to-do weren't feeling it, so they told everyone it was all in their minds, get to work. When I wrote that first article, unemployment was 5.9% and a few months later it fell back to 5.3%. But, I saw the problem, because I saw very talented people, like my deceased uncle, having difficulty finding a decent job in this area and it sure seemed like no one in our local government cared. They were oblivious.
We don't need people in office that don't have a mission. The Mayor said he wanted to finish the job on Hal Row's show the other morning. Honestly, what has he started. He talks about the water issue. He lost that one. He talks about education. He wanted a UNC-Hickory and in the beginning argued against the Appalachian State partnership -- until it was made clear that there wasn't going to be a UNC-Hickory. He always cedes economic development issues to Scott Millar and Danny Hearn. In eight years, he has never had a tangible plan to create jobs. His Small Business Job Growth Team has met 1 time (for 1 1/2 hours) in the 66 days of its inception and looks to be more of an election year stunt than something that will prove fruitful.
The Hound Rounds it out: Two years. Two long hard years since I wrote that first article. Was I way off base in your opinion? Eight years of negative momentum and elected officials telling us that there are jobs in the pipeline. That pipeline must run to Alaska by now. Nearly 14,000 jobs lost in Catawba County since 2000, nearly 10,000 in the last 3 years, and almost 6,000 in the last 12 months. Yep, that pipeline story isn't holding much of nothing.
It is time to put the subterfuge away and start telling us what you stand for and what you are going to do, because the economy is not going to get better before this election takes place. If the people of Hickory don't demand any answers and/or accountability for years of status quo and aimless direction, then they will surely deserve four more years of the exact same.
That first article basically laid the foundation for the what I saw as the reality of Hickory. There was a euphoria and elation about being awarded the All-American City title that overshadowed the systemic problems we were facing.
Hickory's old school manufacturing base consisting of textiles and furniture was built upon low skilled, low wage, intensive manual labor. The city has seen most of these jobs slowly dwindle as it has become more affordable for these companies to send these jobs overseas or south of the border....My follow-up article (sent the following week) was promised to be published, but never was and I have my suspicions about the reasons why that never happened. That following week there was a great article about job expansion in the Unifour and Commscope was the feature of that story. How'd that one work out? I released the follow up in late August 2008, when I initiated this website. It was entitled Building the Bridge to Hickory's Future.
Each city council member seems to have several pet projects that are laughable for a community of this size. This is not Mayberry R.F.D. This city is geographically at the heart of western North Carolina and we have well over a quarter of a million people living within a 25-mile radius of the heart of Hickory.
The high school clique mentalities of our city's leadership are the only thing that is holding this city back. They just don't seem to get it. They are more worried about elementary social issues that do not develop a community.....
The people of this area care about jobs (real, meaningful jobs), not jobs working through a temp agency, not low paying jobs with no benefits, but jobs with a future, jobs we can be proud of. We want new economic development. We need to look to the future, not the past, to see how to do this. (You can read the rest at the Link above)
In this article, I laid out the case of Local Government officials unfriendly attitude towards business and the sad state commerce was in two years ago.
I went to the Internet and found a quote from our mayor. At BlackBoxVoting.org, look up "Oct. 11 election: Catawba County – Sleepy." You will find a quote from the last (2005) election.Coming two years forward, we can see that I was pretty much on target in my summations at the time. Where I was wrong was on the major industry front. I still think we need to land a big business, but it cannot be the sole focus. Developing any and all business should be the focus. We can foster local start-ups that can grow into major businesses.
The article states, "…he needs four more years to work on the city's economy and that he plans to campaign harder than he did against Pat Moss in 2001. 'I told people I was going to look for opportunities to put more people to work,' he said, 'and I've worked on that and I want to do more.'"
Two of our city councilors, Jill Patton and Sally Fox, did their best to keep Lowe's from building in Viewmont. In the same article quoted from earlier Mrs. Patton states, "I want to make sure everyone is included in government and has access and feels that they are heard. I don't believe (Watts – the former councilman) listens to his constituents." (You can read the rest at the Link above)
What we need is something to rebrand Hickory; some major projects that can be game changers. That is what I was addressing when I was talking about alternative transportation, alternative energy, biotech, and other future technological industries. Thank goodness the Future Economy Council has been established to bring together many forward thinkers in this community to facilitate vital discussions about our future. We are already making headway towards laying a foundation that will move us in a direction that will be highly beneficial in coming years. This isn't about "talking about it." It is about "being about it."
I remember the Monday after the first article came out, Mayor Wright was on Hal Row's show and a caller asked the Mayor and Hal if they saw the editorial over the weekend and they quickly said they didn't and moved on to the next caller. That truly did happen. Why not address what was said? Do you really think they just happened to not read the paper that particular Sunday, when WHKY is constantly reporting items from the Hickory Daily Record? All I have ever wanted is for the Mayor to honestly address legitimate concerns. Many times he does just that and then other times I have been frustrated when he goes and hides in the bunker.
I have never had a conversation with Mrs. Fox. I would be more than willing to sit down and discuss issues with her, but I get the feeling that she doesn't care for me too much. I don't really understand where she is coming from and I get the feeling that she could care less where I am coming from. I was never a member of a clique in school and people that personally know me will vouch for that. I think Mrs. Fox cares about this city in her own way, but I honestly don't think she understands what the average citizen of Hickory is living through at this time. In my opinion, she understands what she perceives are the needs of Downtown and that's just about it.
I have spoken with Mrs. Patton and I do like the lady. She is a very pleasant person to talk to and I think if she wasn't Mrs. Fox's protege that she would have a lot to offer this city. She attends all sorts of city meetings and functions and she does engage the public. The problem is that she marches in lockstep with Sally and she really has not presented a valid progressive agenda during her term. Along with Mrs. Fox, she has been very micro-managerial in her dealings with area business, she has been overly ambitious in championing Union Square issues versus the rest of the city, and she has been arbitrary in interests of business development. It was my hope that at some point she would step out from Sally's shadow, but the valid perception is that she is Sally's second.
The bottom line is that our city has continued to flounder under the guidance of the current city council. Unfortunately, Jill Patton's desire for everyone to be heard has not been followed through on. I believe that she has listened to people and I do commend her for that, but the people I have spoken to feel that things are just as bad as they have always been when it comes to local government attentiveness. In the end, it is not good intentions that matter, it is results, and the results show that she has been unable to persuade her counterparts to change course and be more open with the public. That is what has led to the disenfranchisement that I hear from so many people, out here in the public, that it isn't even funny.
I like Z. Anne Hoyle. I have spoken with her and I truly do believe that she cares and does pay attention to issues. I have witnessed the other Council members ignore (and besmirch) what she is saying on many occasions. I do believe that she represents her community very well and I understand her feelings when it comes to being the lone representative towards African-American issues. If you look at her track record involving business, you will see that she is very supportive of industry, while voicing valid questions about development during debate. I am only disappointed, if she buys into this scheme presented by whomever, that was in the Sunday Charlotte Observer a couple weeks ago, for all of the incumbents to run as a block.
Then, once again, there is the Mayor. In many ways I like the Mayor. He's a good guy. He has an amiable quality that many people in this community truly appreciate. But, the record shows that we have gone nowhere under his leadership. Admittedly, when he took office was in the middle of the dot.com bust and shortly after 9/11 had taken place. Those were difficult circumstances to assume office under. I really think Mayor Wright assumed that everything would come back by just making the City's budget efficient and waiting for the business cycle to turn around.
That did occur to a certain extent, but the City never dealt with the underlying systemic issues that put us in the 2001 predicament to start with. We actually saw unemployment hover in the 5% to 6% range from September 2005 to December 2007 and I know we would give our eye teeth to see those numbers right now, but during that period and thoughout this malaise we have been substantially behind the state and federal unemployment numbers. Folks, that should have been clue number one that we were suffering a major malfunction.
The bottom line is that we weren't changing. We were worried about social issues. The well-to-do weren't feeling it, so they told everyone it was all in their minds, get to work. When I wrote that first article, unemployment was 5.9% and a few months later it fell back to 5.3%. But, I saw the problem, because I saw very talented people, like my deceased uncle, having difficulty finding a decent job in this area and it sure seemed like no one in our local government cared. They were oblivious.
We don't need people in office that don't have a mission. The Mayor said he wanted to finish the job on Hal Row's show the other morning. Honestly, what has he started. He talks about the water issue. He lost that one. He talks about education. He wanted a UNC-Hickory and in the beginning argued against the Appalachian State partnership -- until it was made clear that there wasn't going to be a UNC-Hickory. He always cedes economic development issues to Scott Millar and Danny Hearn. In eight years, he has never had a tangible plan to create jobs. His Small Business Job Growth Team has met 1 time (for 1 1/2 hours) in the 66 days of its inception and looks to be more of an election year stunt than something that will prove fruitful.
The Hound Rounds it out: Two years. Two long hard years since I wrote that first article. Was I way off base in your opinion? Eight years of negative momentum and elected officials telling us that there are jobs in the pipeline. That pipeline must run to Alaska by now. Nearly 14,000 jobs lost in Catawba County since 2000, nearly 10,000 in the last 3 years, and almost 6,000 in the last 12 months. Yep, that pipeline story isn't holding much of nothing.
It is time to put the subterfuge away and start telling us what you stand for and what you are going to do, because the economy is not going to get better before this election takes place. If the people of Hickory don't demand any answers and/or accountability for years of status quo and aimless direction, then they will surely deserve four more years of the exact same.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Optimism and Credibility
I have been listening to a lot of people lately who I feel have validity. I came across the following article at the CNBC website today. It is dated May 15, 2009, written by Geoff Cutmore, and titled Marc Faber on Armageddon.
Here is Faber's Wikipedia Bio. Read it and see if you think he is credible. There is a funny quote from him about the stimulus check issued to individuals in Spring '08:
He said to me, "Thom, do you know how you earn credibility?" ..... "You earn credibility by telling people what you are going to do, then you lay out a plan of action, and then follow through on that plan with action." ..... "Once you have succeeded, then you have established credibility."
What the Hound is Learning: Credibility is defined as capable of being believed. We aren't seeing much of that from elected leaders these days. Yet, I have met so many people out here in the real world who have all of the qualities that I desire from a leader. But, they are either unwilling to run or they have been run over by the electoral process.
Faber hits the nail on the head and the antithesis of what he defines as Optimism is exactly what we are getting from our elected officials. How much adaptation to change have we seen, whether at the local, state, or federal level? How much finger pointing and hold-up hand gestures have we seen from our leaders, who never accept any blame for the consequences they created? And when was the last time any of these elitist politicians put any faith in Human innovation and ingenuity?
I don't have any faith in politicians who don't represent and/or expect excellence. Doing the minimum should be an expectation, not a reason for adulation. We should assume that our roads are going to be maintained, that the garbage will be picked up, that water and sewer will function properly, that the police will keep us secure, and that constituents' needs will be addressed. The bureaucracy administers those issues any way. We need Leaders to proactively seek issues and objectives that will improve the community.
We should have faith that our elected officials will look out for every citizen's interest, no matter whether they voted for them or not, or whether they are rich or poor. Jesus said, "As you've done to the least of these, you've done to me." What about those kids that aren't getting to swim this summer in Ridgeview or West Hickory?... Lobbyist/Kids? ... HDDA/Kids?... We need to get some priorities straight around here!!!
Personally, I have nothing against our city's elected officials. For me, this is not about personalities. This is about Access, Accountability, Attitudes, Direction, Decisions, Ethics, Expectations, Issues, Momentum, Purpose, Vision, and most of all Results. I am sure that grudges will be held against me for many of the things that I say, but folks I'm not going to hold back, because in the end I am not the one who will be deciding whether the shoe fits or not.
My goal is for this area to be a more optimistic and brighter place, but that optimism can't be forced or controlled. Leaders need to remember our heritage and the people who sacrificed so that we can be here today. Remember our ancestors hopes and dreams and try to fulfill them, for their honor. Please understand that Leadership is not a birthright, it is a privilege.
I know that my father and grandfathers believed in this country and they had dreams that they wanted me to fulfill. They all lived here and they cared about this city and they loved the "Land of Opportunity." They would not have wanted me to settle for second rate and I can't understand anyone who does, by word or by deed. I cannot run for office at this time or I would. I know that there are people out there that can meet the challenges that lie before this city.
We can no longer afford the bunkered down, hunkered down, status quo approach. We have got to have people who realize that we have to change our foundation and structure or we are going to become completely irrelevant as a community. Completely irrelevant means a lower standard of living and quality of life for your family. It means your younger family members and relatives will continue to leave the area to seek the opportunity that should have been developed here. And it means a Least Common Denominator and Lower Expectation Lifestyle for those who remain.
Optimism and Credibility, two mental abilities that can be fostered by positive action. How can anyone cry about this community not being optimistic when our current leaders want us to just stand still? The world is passing by. We better start running or we'll never catch up to it!!!
Here is Faber's Wikipedia Bio. Read it and see if you think he is credible. There is a funny quote from him about the stimulus check issued to individuals in Spring '08:
Dr. Marc Faber concluded his monthly bulletin (June 2008) with the Following:In the CNBC article Faber has a quote about Optimism that I completely agree with:
The federal government is sending each of us a $600 rebate. If we spend that money at Wal-Mart, the money goes to China. If we spend it on gasoline it goes to the Arabs. If we buy a computer/Software it will go to India. If we purchase fruit and vegetables it will go to Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. If we purchase a good car it will go to Germany. If we purchase useless crap it will go to Taiwan and none of it will help the American economy. The only way to keep that money here at home is to spend it on prostitutes and beer, since these are the only products still produced in US. I've been doing my part .
Marc concludes optimism comes from some simple but important principles:Lately, I have met several people who have become invaluable assets as I seek knowledge, understanding, and guidance through what I personally consider troubling times. The other day, I was having a conversation with one of these colleagues that has come to be someone whose opinion I highly value.
1) The ability to adapt to change: whether economic, financial, personal or social.
2) Accept responsibility when things go wrong that are your fault, and don’t blame others.
3) And take comfort in the dynamism and drive of the human race. Marc points to Asia – where he has lived for several decades and witnessed the transformation of lifestyles.
He said to me, "Thom, do you know how you earn credibility?" ..... "You earn credibility by telling people what you are going to do, then you lay out a plan of action, and then follow through on that plan with action." ..... "Once you have succeeded, then you have established credibility."
What the Hound is Learning: Credibility is defined as capable of being believed. We aren't seeing much of that from elected leaders these days. Yet, I have met so many people out here in the real world who have all of the qualities that I desire from a leader. But, they are either unwilling to run or they have been run over by the electoral process.
Faber hits the nail on the head and the antithesis of what he defines as Optimism is exactly what we are getting from our elected officials. How much adaptation to change have we seen, whether at the local, state, or federal level? How much finger pointing and hold-up hand gestures have we seen from our leaders, who never accept any blame for the consequences they created? And when was the last time any of these elitist politicians put any faith in Human innovation and ingenuity?
I don't have any faith in politicians who don't represent and/or expect excellence. Doing the minimum should be an expectation, not a reason for adulation. We should assume that our roads are going to be maintained, that the garbage will be picked up, that water and sewer will function properly, that the police will keep us secure, and that constituents' needs will be addressed. The bureaucracy administers those issues any way. We need Leaders to proactively seek issues and objectives that will improve the community.
We should have faith that our elected officials will look out for every citizen's interest, no matter whether they voted for them or not, or whether they are rich or poor. Jesus said, "As you've done to the least of these, you've done to me." What about those kids that aren't getting to swim this summer in Ridgeview or West Hickory?... Lobbyist/Kids? ... HDDA/Kids?... We need to get some priorities straight around here!!!
Personally, I have nothing against our city's elected officials. For me, this is not about personalities. This is about Access, Accountability, Attitudes, Direction, Decisions, Ethics, Expectations, Issues, Momentum, Purpose, Vision, and most of all Results. I am sure that grudges will be held against me for many of the things that I say, but folks I'm not going to hold back, because in the end I am not the one who will be deciding whether the shoe fits or not.
My goal is for this area to be a more optimistic and brighter place, but that optimism can't be forced or controlled. Leaders need to remember our heritage and the people who sacrificed so that we can be here today. Remember our ancestors hopes and dreams and try to fulfill them, for their honor. Please understand that Leadership is not a birthright, it is a privilege.
I know that my father and grandfathers believed in this country and they had dreams that they wanted me to fulfill. They all lived here and they cared about this city and they loved the "Land of Opportunity." They would not have wanted me to settle for second rate and I can't understand anyone who does, by word or by deed. I cannot run for office at this time or I would. I know that there are people out there that can meet the challenges that lie before this city.
We can no longer afford the bunkered down, hunkered down, status quo approach. We have got to have people who realize that we have to change our foundation and structure or we are going to become completely irrelevant as a community. Completely irrelevant means a lower standard of living and quality of life for your family. It means your younger family members and relatives will continue to leave the area to seek the opportunity that should have been developed here. And it means a Least Common Denominator and Lower Expectation Lifestyle for those who remain.
Optimism and Credibility, two mental abilities that can be fostered by positive action. How can anyone cry about this community not being optimistic when our current leaders want us to just stand still? The world is passing by. We better start running or we'll never catch up to it!!!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Harry Hipps for Hickory City Council Website
http://harryhippsforcouncil.blogspot.com/
The site shows that Harry is definitely more than a one-trick pony. I would also like other candidates, who want to display their platforms on the Hickory Hound, to do so. Right now is the time to hone ones political savvy.
I am willing to post any candidate'e platform and will not personally critique any of them. I want people to be able to compare and contrast any candidate. Fair evaluations of political dialogue lead to better governance.
The site shows that Harry is definitely more than a one-trick pony. I would also like other candidates, who want to display their platforms on the Hickory Hound, to do so. Right now is the time to hone ones political savvy.
I am willing to post any candidate'e platform and will not personally critique any of them. I want people to be able to compare and contrast any candidate. Fair evaluations of political dialogue lead to better governance.
The Relevant Issue: 34,294 JOBS lost since July 2000 in the Unifour
This is a statistical abstract of population and employment statistics in this area. Some estimated extrapolations have had to be assumed. The numbers show the following details.
Unifour - In June 1990 56% of the Unifour's population was employed. As of May, only 39.5% of the same population is working. The Unifour area's population stood at 293,489 in January 1990 and it is estimated to currently be 369,033. The population has increased 25.7% during this time period.
In July 2000 there were 180,176 people working in the Unifour area. As of May, 145,882 people were working in the Metro area. Employment = Jobs and this shows that the Metro area has shed 34,294 jobs in the 8 year 10 month period. In February 2001, the Unifour's Workforce Population maxed out at 187,409 and current numbers stand at 172,426, which shows that the workforce has shrunk by 14,893 people. The Unifour has lost 8.7% of its workforce and 23.5% of it's jobs from it's peak.
Catawba - In June 1990 58.58% of the Catawba County's population was employed. As of May, only 40.12% of the same population is working. Catawba County's population stood at 118,945 in January 1990 and it is estimated to currently be 161,200. The population has increased 35.5% during this time period.
In June 2000 there were 78,540 people working in Catawba County. As of May, 64,679 people were working in the county. The county has shed 13,861 jobs in the 8 year 11 month period. In February 2001, the Catawba's Workforce Population maxed out at 82,245 and current numbers stand at 76,543, which shows that the workforce has shrunk by 5,702 people. Catawba County has lost 7.4% of its workforce and 21.4% of it's jobs from it's peak.
Caldwell - In June 1990 55.8% of the Caldwell County's population was employed. As of May, only 39.85% of the same population is working. Caldwell County's population stood at 70,846 in January 1990 and it is estimated to currently be 80,267. The population has increased 13.3% during this time period.
In July 2000 there were 41,430 people working in Caldwell County. As of May, 31,985 people were working in the county. The county has shed 9,445 jobs in the 8 year 10 month period. In January 2001, the Caldwell's Workforce Population maxed out at 45,053 and current numbers stand at 37,897, which shows that the workforce has shrunk by 5,156 people. Caldwell County has lost 13.6% of its workforce and 33.6% of it's jobs from it's peak.
Alexander - In June 1990 56.86% of the Alexander County's population was employed. As of May, only 41.41% of the same population is working. Alexander County's population stood at 27,652 in January 1990 and it is estimated to currently be 37,333. This shows population has increased 35% during this time period.
In July 2000 there were 18,960 people working in Alexander County. As of May, 15,461 people were working in the county. The county has shed 3,499 jobs in the 8 year 10 month period. In February 2001, the Alexander's Workforce Population maxed out at 19,578 and current numbers stand at 18,319, which shows that the workforce has shrunk by 1,259 people. Alexander County has lost 6.9% of its workforce and 22.6% of it's jobs from it's peak.
Burke- In September 1990 52.42% of the Burke County's population was employed. As of May, only 37.41% of the same population is working. Burke County's population stood at 76,046 in January 1990 and it is estimated to currently be 90,233. This shows the population has increased 18.7% during this time period.
In July 2000 there were 41,258 people working in Burke County. As of May, 33,757 people were working in the county. The county has shed 7,501 jobs in the 8 year 10 month period. In January 2001, Burke's Workforce Population maxed out at 43,053 and current numbers stand at 39,667, which shows that the workforce has shrunk by 3,386 people. Burke County has lost 8.5% of its workforce and 22.2% of it's jobs from it's peak.
The Hound's take: If we look at the numbers, we see across the board job losses in all 4 counties. Caldwell has taken the brunt of the hits and this is due to its major losses of several Furniture manufacturers over the last decade. The bottom line shows that we have lost 1 out of 5 jobs in the area.
The local governments have done an excellent job of keeping costs of services in order and taxes low, but unless we soon see a very drastic turnaround, taxes are going to have to be raised or services are going to have to be slashed. The recession means that we are going to see a reduction in sales tax revenues coming into local governmental coffers. Unemployed people do not spend money and also fewer people are coming to the area to buy furniture at local shops, as we have all seen in the past. We are also going to see less property tax revenue contributions from commercial and industrial properties, because so many companies have gone out of business and so many commercial properties are now sitting vacant. Yes, the local government has kept your tax rate low, but this ought to show you that they can't honestly tell you that they are going to be able to keep doing that.
My fear is that Hickory is becoming irrelevant. As I have stated before, we have so much to offer, but we aren't focused on the most important issue of the day -- JOBS. I do appreciate what Scott Millar has done with the Economic Development Corporation, but so much more needs to be done and Scott can't do it all. I have also seen what Danny Hearn has done. The man is working his tail off to help our local struggling small businesses succeed, but he can't do it all either. We just can't continue to overload our hopes of recovery on these mens backs.
We have to change the game. We have to lay a foundation to bring innovation to this community. That is our only way out. It is my hope that we will see fresh new ideas brought to the forefront of these campaigns that will take place for the city council seats and Mayoral race over the next few months. We have to have people with open minds that are willing to accept the challenges, risk their reputations, and set their egos aside. The status quo is causing us to fall further and further behind.
Hickory is the center of the area and should be the driving force, but we now see Lenoir with Google, Maiden looks to be getting Apple, Newton has Target... where does this leave Hickory? In my opinion, the area would be better off with a robust Hickory, but slowly and surely it looks like Hickory is getting left in the dust. As businesses continue to locate all around us, it is becoming more and more apparent that the communities around us are letting us know that they don't need us. This city can no longer afford to arrogantly think that we are the straw that stirs the drink, because we no longer are. It is time to leave the state of denial and face the facts.
The question that needs to be asked of all of these candidates in this upcoming race: What are you going to do to get Hickory back on track before we become totally irrelevant?
Unifour - In June 1990 56% of the Unifour's population was employed. As of May, only 39.5% of the same population is working. The Unifour area's population stood at 293,489 in January 1990 and it is estimated to currently be 369,033. The population has increased 25.7% during this time period.
In July 2000 there were 180,176 people working in the Unifour area. As of May, 145,882 people were working in the Metro area. Employment = Jobs and this shows that the Metro area has shed 34,294 jobs in the 8 year 10 month period. In February 2001, the Unifour's Workforce Population maxed out at 187,409 and current numbers stand at 172,426, which shows that the workforce has shrunk by 14,893 people. The Unifour has lost 8.7% of its workforce and 23.5% of it's jobs from it's peak.
Catawba - In June 1990 58.58% of the Catawba County's population was employed. As of May, only 40.12% of the same population is working. Catawba County's population stood at 118,945 in January 1990 and it is estimated to currently be 161,200. The population has increased 35.5% during this time period.
In June 2000 there were 78,540 people working in Catawba County. As of May, 64,679 people were working in the county. The county has shed 13,861 jobs in the 8 year 11 month period. In February 2001, the Catawba's Workforce Population maxed out at 82,245 and current numbers stand at 76,543, which shows that the workforce has shrunk by 5,702 people. Catawba County has lost 7.4% of its workforce and 21.4% of it's jobs from it's peak.
Caldwell - In June 1990 55.8% of the Caldwell County's population was employed. As of May, only 39.85% of the same population is working. Caldwell County's population stood at 70,846 in January 1990 and it is estimated to currently be 80,267. The population has increased 13.3% during this time period.
In July 2000 there were 41,430 people working in Caldwell County. As of May, 31,985 people were working in the county. The county has shed 9,445 jobs in the 8 year 10 month period. In January 2001, the Caldwell's Workforce Population maxed out at 45,053 and current numbers stand at 37,897, which shows that the workforce has shrunk by 5,156 people. Caldwell County has lost 13.6% of its workforce and 33.6% of it's jobs from it's peak.
Alexander - In June 1990 56.86% of the Alexander County's population was employed. As of May, only 41.41% of the same population is working. Alexander County's population stood at 27,652 in January 1990 and it is estimated to currently be 37,333. This shows population has increased 35% during this time period.
In July 2000 there were 18,960 people working in Alexander County. As of May, 15,461 people were working in the county. The county has shed 3,499 jobs in the 8 year 10 month period. In February 2001, the Alexander's Workforce Population maxed out at 19,578 and current numbers stand at 18,319, which shows that the workforce has shrunk by 1,259 people. Alexander County has lost 6.9% of its workforce and 22.6% of it's jobs from it's peak.
Burke- In September 1990 52.42% of the Burke County's population was employed. As of May, only 37.41% of the same population is working. Burke County's population stood at 76,046 in January 1990 and it is estimated to currently be 90,233. This shows the population has increased 18.7% during this time period.
In July 2000 there were 41,258 people working in Burke County. As of May, 33,757 people were working in the county. The county has shed 7,501 jobs in the 8 year 10 month period. In January 2001, Burke's Workforce Population maxed out at 43,053 and current numbers stand at 39,667, which shows that the workforce has shrunk by 3,386 people. Burke County has lost 8.5% of its workforce and 22.2% of it's jobs from it's peak.
The Hound's take: If we look at the numbers, we see across the board job losses in all 4 counties. Caldwell has taken the brunt of the hits and this is due to its major losses of several Furniture manufacturers over the last decade. The bottom line shows that we have lost 1 out of 5 jobs in the area.
The local governments have done an excellent job of keeping costs of services in order and taxes low, but unless we soon see a very drastic turnaround, taxes are going to have to be raised or services are going to have to be slashed. The recession means that we are going to see a reduction in sales tax revenues coming into local governmental coffers. Unemployed people do not spend money and also fewer people are coming to the area to buy furniture at local shops, as we have all seen in the past. We are also going to see less property tax revenue contributions from commercial and industrial properties, because so many companies have gone out of business and so many commercial properties are now sitting vacant. Yes, the local government has kept your tax rate low, but this ought to show you that they can't honestly tell you that they are going to be able to keep doing that.
My fear is that Hickory is becoming irrelevant. As I have stated before, we have so much to offer, but we aren't focused on the most important issue of the day -- JOBS. I do appreciate what Scott Millar has done with the Economic Development Corporation, but so much more needs to be done and Scott can't do it all. I have also seen what Danny Hearn has done. The man is working his tail off to help our local struggling small businesses succeed, but he can't do it all either. We just can't continue to overload our hopes of recovery on these mens backs.
We have to change the game. We have to lay a foundation to bring innovation to this community. That is our only way out. It is my hope that we will see fresh new ideas brought to the forefront of these campaigns that will take place for the city council seats and Mayoral race over the next few months. We have to have people with open minds that are willing to accept the challenges, risk their reputations, and set their egos aside. The status quo is causing us to fall further and further behind.
Hickory is the center of the area and should be the driving force, but we now see Lenoir with Google, Maiden looks to be getting Apple, Newton has Target... where does this leave Hickory? In my opinion, the area would be better off with a robust Hickory, but slowly and surely it looks like Hickory is getting left in the dust. As businesses continue to locate all around us, it is becoming more and more apparent that the communities around us are letting us know that they don't need us. This city can no longer afford to arrogantly think that we are the straw that stirs the drink, because we no longer are. It is time to leave the state of denial and face the facts.
The question that needs to be asked of all of these candidates in this upcoming race: What are you going to do to get Hickory back on track before we become totally irrelevant?
Saturday, July 4, 2009
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