From Dawn Charles in Salem:
As far as our economy/Jobs, Oregon State, Counties, and cities need to set the example and buy Oregon products. If the product doesn't exist, then a new company that produces that product needs to open. This will keep Oregon's people working and dollars in our State... more
From Dawn Charles in Salem:
As far as our economy/Jobs, Oregon State, Counties, and cities need to set the example and buy Oregon products. If the product doesn't exist, then a new company that produces that product needs to open. This will keep Oregon's people working and dollars in our State. Example All State, City, County Law enforcement & Corrections staff uniforms should be made in Oregon. This would create more jobs and the people working these jobs will spend their money here not in China.
Stephen Saltzman
Buying locally is great when the local alternative is competitive in all respects, but -- unlike China -- Oregon's government can't afford to prop up uncompetitive firms. Nor should it let symbolic gestures undermine a relentless push for greater governmental efficiency and accountability.
Similarly, it's counter productive for PERS or other state agencies to mandate that x% of their investment dollars go to Oregon firms. Their investment dollars should be pursuing the highest returns they can get wher... more
Buying locally is great when the local alternative is competitive in all respects, but -- unlike China -- Oregon's government can't afford to prop up uncompetitive firms. Nor should it let symbolic gestures undermine a relentless push for greater governmental efficiency and accountability.
Similarly, it's counter productive for PERS or other state agencies to mandate that x% of their investment dollars go to Oregon firms. Their investment dollars should be pursuing the highest returns they can get wherever they can get them. Anything else would be a de facto tax on PERS's beneficiaries.
The way to create more - and higher quality -- jobs is to have the state government run as efficiently as possible to minimize the tax burden for any given level of services, invest in dramatically upgrading our K-University education systems so Oregonians can create and/or staff world-beating companies, and breakout of the mentality that causes the state to undermine Oregon's long-term health by creating unsustainable market distortions.
Harrison Beaumont
Roland, I certainly see your point. There are just some things our local producers can't compete with.
However, there are things our local producers can compete with and we need to focus on having businesses buying what is available locally. If we are going to jump start our economy, then we need to foster growth in all sectors. The best way to do this is to a) buy local products or b) create catchy slogans like Cali did with their cheese and dairy industry (happy cows come from California).
Roland Durphey Menard III
One of the fallacy's that are given rise to is that by only resourcing locally that we locally have the advantage. For example : Coffee ; In this case it is better that we import it for resale locally. I don't disagree with what you have brought forward Joshua. I only understand that imports account for substantive equitable revenue for the state. However, buy local whenever possible !
Joshua Stanley
I couldn't agree more. And i would also include regulations on the beef used in large corporate fast food chains that do business in Oregon requiring they use Oregon Beef. I think that would also help bring the Eastern Ranchers and the and Urban/ Political centers of Oregon closer together. This type of grassroots fed economy seems an appropriate long term solution to the financial crisis happening all over.