We are thrilled that many of the ideas represented by the Create WV initiative are being incorporated in a wider statewide dialog. A recent example is the op-ed piece by William Schweke of the Center for Economic Development in Durham, NC in this week's State Journal. It is a good sign that more people are thinking about issues of talent, technology, tolerance/diversity and "trees" (quality of place).
Another document that has generated the most visibility and discussion so far this year is Dr. Russell Sobel's Unleashing Capitalism book which he and other WVU economics professors wrote and/or edited. It has generated a great deal of debate, often embraced by the business community and challenged by those concerned with some of the controversial policy recommendations (e.g., eliminating minimum wage, becoming a "right to work" state and eliminating the state's economic development incentives programs).
A few recent op-ed columns have positioned the insights and approaches outlined by the Culture, Creativity and Innovation white paper from the Create WV initiative and the Unleashing Capitalism book against each other as competing philosophies on how to turn our economic situation around. Our hope is that West Virginians will take the time to read each thoroughly and understand the positions and arguments in each before making a judgment on either of them. We believe that if this is done with an open mind, people will find this isn't necessarily an either/or set of decisions, but an opportunity to take the best ideas from each and define a course for the future of West Virginia that the vast majority of our citizens can get behind. There is much in common between the two documents in terms of challenging us to think beyond our current obstacles.
Do we need a better tax structure? Yes. Do we need to improve our legal environment? Yes again. Do we need to make some smart, targeted investments to improve West Virginia's infrastructure to make it more conducive to New Economy growth? We think so. Do we need a more accountable, innovative, streamlined government? Of course.
So there is much to agree on, and much to work together on. Of course there will be disagreements on the specifics on how to get there.The more folks who educate themselves on the issues by reading both documents will be more prepared to help define a bi-partisan vision for our future.
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