Let’s make 2008 the year of change for the region

Youngstown State University will be celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with an eye to the future, which is what the Mahoning and Shenango valleys need to do.

The status quo is no longer tenable, given the speed with which the state, nation and the world are changing. The global economy demands vision, creativity and a commitment to making the region more than it has been.

While 2007 was neither the best of years, nor the worst of years, 2008 must be about change.

At YSU, Dr. David Sweet and the university community have developed a blueprint for enrollment growth, academic excellence and the expansion of the Youngstown campus. Sweet and the board of trustees have recognized that clinging to the old ways puts the university in jeopardy.

Indeed, Gov. Ted Strickland’s point man on higher education, Chancellor Eric Fingerhut, has issued a challenge to Ohio’s public universities and colleges to develop areas of study that will enable Ohioans to compete in the global marketplace.

Likewise, the region should keep its eye on the global ball as it works to expand job opportunities.

As a first step, it must improve its national image.

That will happen if: the General Motors’ Lordstown plant succeeds in securing a new product in 2009 to replace the popular Chevrolet Cobalt; Delphi Packard Electric changes course and begins adding jobs instead of cutting them; Turning Technologies Inc. of Youngstown continues its meteoric rise in the world of high technology; failing school systems showed marked improvement in state and national proficiency tests; the city of Youngstown deals with its crime problem; and, the right formula is found to make the Chevrolet Centre, built with $45 million in public funds, a successful sports and entertainment facility.

Government

Beyond its image, the region must take a hard look at its public sector entities, especially the school systems and local governments.

Taxpayers made it clear last year that they are in no mood to keep funneling their hard-earned dollars to the public sector that has shown little interest in changing its spending ways.

The Regional Chamber should continue its push to reduce school administration costs in the area and for reorganization of county governments in Trumbull and Mahoning counties.

Every government entity must learn to do more with less — because the money spigot is being turned off. Voters will continue to reject tax issues until they are convinced that the right spending priorities are in place.

This year, the road to the White House will undoubtedly come through the Mahoning and Shenango valleys and it is important that we speak with one voice in presenting our demands to the candidates.

Our votes must not be sold at bargain basement prices. Just because this is predominantly Democratic region does not mean the Democratic nominee for president should be able to take our support for granted.

2008 can be a watershed year for the Mahoning and Shenango valleys if we play our cards right.

Change is never easy, but it can be exciting and invigorating if we have the right attitude.

Let’s make 2008 a year that counts.