Recent success could be a sign of things to come

Recent success could be a sign of things to come

EDITOR:

Hooray for the Mahoning Valley. The recent stories about major capital investments and jobs coming to the area are great news. The business, labor, political and civic leaders responsible for setting the stage for an economic renaissance are to be commended. Valuable lessons about regional cooperation and the impact of tax breaks are inherent in this exciting progress toward a more prosperous future.

I just hope that we remain attentive to what we should have learned decades ago. It is only with regional cooperation and a fair tax rate that business and subsequently jobs cannot just survive, but thrive. When I read about the resistance to Salem annexing land to expand an industrial park, I cringe. It is understandable that the smaller communities need to protect their tax base, but the possibility of economic development and growth should motivate all involved to act together to find an equitable solution. This is what Youngstown and Girard did after much effort to help entice the V & M Star Steel expansion.

We can lament the demise of the steel industry more than 30 years ago and worry about the long-term viability of our auto assembly plant and related employment well into the future. But that does not create the well-paying jobs that will sustain our communities and schools. Equally important to remember is the need to consider the impact of our tax structure on the willingness of companies to locate here. We are fortunate in some ways that our tax and regulatory burdens pale in comparison to many regions of the country. We are helped by the abundance of reasonably priced land, real estate and utilities and a easily accessible transportation infrastructure. And of course, we should rightfully take pride in the proven work ethic of our workers. We can promote the role Youngstown State University can play in preparing individuals for roles in our ever-changing business and technological environments.

But even all of this will not enable business, the engine that drives employment, to flourish if it is stifled by a heavy tax burden and cumbersome regulations. I hope every present and future leader in our Valley, regardless of whether it is in the business, labor, civic or political arena, will take note of what can be accomplished when we are willing to look at the greater good. A smaller share of some benefit is always better than a hundred percent of nothing. For too long our infighting and parochialism have hindered our growth and prosperity. I hope we have moved into a new era where the benefits of cooperative effort and shared benefits are the new reality. If that is so, then the greatest outcome is not the new jobs or the capital investments but a brighter future for us all.

T. L. WAGNER

Youngstown

Youngstown State trustees made the right choice

EDITOR:

Your Feb. 18 editorial about the appointment of Dr. Cyndy Anderson as Youngstown State University’s next president was correct in mentioning the challenges that YSU faces. However, you seem to have some serious questions as to whether the right person was chosen. That is certainly your right. But please understand that there are many of us at YSU and in the community who feel that she is exactly the person we need at this time in our institution’s history.

Yes, we face challenges. But the leadership and inspiration provided by Dr. Anderson will be wonderful assets to us as we move into the future.

ROBERT A. HOGUE

Youngstown

X The writer is an associate professor in Computer Science & Information Systems at YSU and is first vice president of YSU-OEA.