Adopted April 10, 2007
Shelby County Democratic Party Position on Economic Development
Recent discussions involving the proposed ICC Toll Road have brought up important issues regarding economic development in Shelby County. Shelby County Democrats appreciate the benefits that economic growth can bring to our community. We also realize that not all economic growth stimulates positive growth that creates better living conditions for local residents.
With that in mind, the Shelby County Democrat Party has developed a position on economic development. The statements below, that we believe encourage positive economic growth, are not unique or revolutionary. In fact, people involved with land use planning and development will recognize them and probably agree with them in principle. However, it was sobering to see how quickly most, if not all, of these points were ignored or dismissed by some officials when the chance came up to get a new terrain toll road that would have consumed a huge swath of personal property in our county.
Shelby County Democrats support positive economic growth, which we believe can be recognized by the following characteristics:
It stimulates job growth that provides full time workers with a living wage.
Shelby County has no shortage of businesses that recruit only part-time workers and/or offer low pay with limited benefits. What we need are more career opportunities in industry, manufacturing, technology, and education, which generate a living wage for families and overall benefit to the community.
It conforms to existing land use plans.
Positive economic growth is planned growth. Shelby County has a land use plan that was recently adopted after several years of bi-partisan work by local citizens and government officials. We should use this plan when making decisions.
It expands the tax base.
While new businesses and homes often accompany economic development, they also require additional infrastructure and expanded local services. These costs must be considered when determining the positive (or negative) impact of growth.
It preserves prime farmland and the family farm.
Best land use practices suggest that industrial development and road building should be confined as much as possible to land that is less desirable for agriculture. This makes the best use of a limited resource (our soil) and also helps to preserve the family farm as a vital part of the social and economic life of Shelby County.
It does not promote one form of economic activity over another with subsidies, incentives, or tax policies, other than to enhance the above qualities. Most development requires that people with money take a risk in hopes of generating a profit. Making money isn’t bad. But sustainable, positive development cannot and should not benefit only a few at the expense of the general population.
Shelby County Democrats value the contributions of both urban and rural residents as we move forward together – both economically and socially. As a community we must recognize the importance of keeping quality of life issues in the forefront when considering economic development policy.
Paid for by the Shelby County Democratic Party, www.shelbydems.org. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. Museo Font by Jos Buivenga .
