The question that needs to be asked here is what attaches high paying jobs?
1. Lower taxes. This won't happen with the current city players (I can't
bring myself to say leadership because of the serious lack there of). The
biggest problem downtown Minneapolis faces is the high taxes (I don't see
this coming down any time soon, we just committed the farm to a light rail
project that will only require more money down the road and never provide
payback).
2. Improve the Schools. A city is nothing without a great educational
system. Minneapolis is hurting in this regard. There are really great
schools in the system with great people behind the tiller. However, this is
the minority case. The one signal I'd send to the school board, teachers,
and administrators is .... you know what the problems are, most of you agree
on how to solve them, stop covering your backside and fix the problems. We
can do it if we focus on the real issues.
3. Infrastructure. Well maintained roads, water, sewer, energy, and
technology systems brings a higher class of business and residential
identities.
4. Reverse thinking. Instead of having to provide handouts to business to
entice them to DT Mpls. the mayor (yes I said the mayor) needs to provide
LEADERSHIP in pursing these interests. Combined with lower taxes and a
common sense approach to infrastructure the mayor must be the catalyst for
encouraging business growth. Just look what Mayor Coleman has done for St.
Paul. Are you listening Lisa and R.T.(use the play book)?
5. Create a plan, work the plan, and be a cheerleader. Get people excited
about what is happening. I've felt for the last seven years that there
isn't any direction or major plan on the table for getting things done,
goals set, or an agenda to follow.
Minneapolis was at one time the leader of the upper Midwest, but I don't see
that happening any more. We have lost our collective objective. Businesses
have left, and few are here to take there place. The market has changed,
and manufacturing isn't the major drive of the economic it was many years
ago. The smaller and more independent businesses are the ones driving the
economic and Minneapolis needs to serve that market. Minneapolis has a lot
to offer, and I love living here. However, there are some major problems
the need to be addressed in order to attract the less dedicated to the
advance of the city.
Now is a great time to change the direction and focus in this city. With
the right combination of leadership, vision, and drive we can serve the
needs of all citizens and create a city we can be proud of again.
Steve Sumner
Ward 1 Resident, Parent, activist, and Business Owner
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