How to create more jobs? Mayor McGinn to introduce his plan

Just out of the WSB inbox, a media advisory for Mayor McGinn‘s announcement of the “Seattle Jobs Plan” tomorrow morning. The announcement explains:

The Seattle Jobs Plan articulates a strategy for next generation economic development to help create a sustainable economy with shared prosperity. It is a framework of policies, programs and investments to create quality jobs, protect the environment and ensure that taxpayers get true value from the city of Seattle’s public investments.

The news conference is being held at Cascade Designs, and along with its co-founder John Burroughs, the mayor will be joined, according to the advisory, by Seattle Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Jill Wakefield, former president of West Seattle’s South Seattle Community College.

12 Replies to "How to create more jobs? Mayor McGinn to introduce his plan"

  • Jennifer August 23, 2010 (12:12 pm)

    Is this open to the public? It’s not listed on the Office of the Mayor calendar of events
    http://www.cityofseattle.net/mayor/calendar.htm#/?i=1

    • WSB August 23, 2010 (12:28 pm)

      Not that I know of – I published this item with the intent of letting people know an announcement is forthcoming, rather than as an invitation to an event – TR

  • Sig August 23, 2010 (12:31 pm)

    So he is going to help the next generation? Nice. But we that are here and now need jobs.

  • CB August 23, 2010 (2:16 pm)

    I hope the plan includes him quitting. Worst Mayor ever.

  • Mr Matt August 23, 2010 (5:54 pm)

    Look, at this point I’m just (shocked? surprised? happy???) to see him putting out SOMETHING positive or forward-thinking. This is better than his usual “I’m against THIS project/policy” or “I’m mandating THESE things that no one asked for, wanted or was even thinking about to begin with” style of governance and campaigning.

    Of course, this is before I’ve actually seen his plan and, as Sig said “…the next generation?”

    This flip-flopper has been such a wash thus far. :( IMO, that is.

  • Give it up mcginn August 23, 2010 (7:54 pm)

    The best thing mcginn can do is resign, that will create at least one job which is exactly one more than any mcginn plan will

  • Bryan F August 23, 2010 (8:25 pm)

    I am normally not a big fan of politicians, maybe that is why I disagree with most remarks here and actually like Mr McGinn quite a bit. My observations is that he supports measures and policies that aim to protect the environment, and promote active walkable and bikable communities, versus catering to an automobile-centric model, which in my view is a very flawed model.

    I think he probably is not a great politician – and I mean that as a compliment. I believe Mr McGinn actually has firm convictions and a progressive vision for the City that many of us also share. This is contradictory to typical politicians who cater to special interest groups, or are mainly concerned with being relected and pussy foot around major issues. True leadership means taking risks, standing firm in your beliefs, and making tough decisions that often mean that some group is going to be disappointed.

    That’s my opinion anyway, but I am not a staunch supporter of either the Democratic or Republican party, who I often think become too polarized and seem more content to argue and point fingers, than actually try to provide solutions.

    Regarding jobs, I do think we need to focus on that next generation of vocations that do support a balanced and sustainable economy. This boom or bust cycle based on speculative construction and never ending growth is a foolish and destructive economic model in my view. We should be thinking more along long term lines, ensuring solid opportunities for our kids and their kids, and products, buildings, and infrastructure that are not obsolete in 10 or 20 and then become waste. Guess I am a big believe in reusing and repurposing, but I am admittedly biased since I work for a public environmental organization.

  • OP August 23, 2010 (11:13 pm)

    McGinn. Epic Fail.

    And gov’t jobs don’t create wealth; it’s just money moving around, aimlessly.

  • mar3c August 24, 2010 (7:07 am)

    OP: “it’s just money moving around, aimlessly.” yeah, instead of sticking to the top 2%, where it belongs.
    .
    why is business the model for government, anyway? anytime someone runs for office, the question is always, “have you ever run a business?” who gives a crap?
    .
    my parents both retired from DOD with a decent amount of wealth. they were good jobs, with union representation for the lower pay grades, health care, and pensions. they had a retirement insurance program outside of SS that federal workers alone paid into. they did not pay into and were not were not eligible for SS.
    .
    in the 80’s, private contracting became all the rage. contractors came in and replaced 1 government job with 3 private ones. sure it created jobs, but it caused government budgets to soar, and it had the added benefit of allowing republicans to say, “gee, look how bloated and inefficient government is.”
    .
    brilliant.
    .
    from what i can see, anyone who thinks that business should be the model for government is looking for cheap, easy wealth and a tax dodge. then they find out that running a business is actual work that involves careful accounting to make a decent living. so, since they can’t affect the price of insurance or real estate or suppliers’ costs, they look to cut two things from their budget that they feel they have some control over: wages and taxes.
    .
    rant: off.

  • jiggers August 24, 2010 (2:20 pm)

    Ok.. I had my laugh for the day.

  • Bryan F August 24, 2010 (9:25 pm)

    I agree with Mar3c. – the private sector is not the be all, end all for economic models. I truly believe the strongest most sustainable economy is one that is diverse and resilient. In my opinion that means one that is balanced between private sector, government, non-profit/academic organizations. Each has their strength and creates a better system when all contribute to our economic model. I think our system has catered way too much to the private sector, which causes these huge boom and bust cycles, especially when the model is based on maximum efficiency and profitability – and as Marc suggests, much government waste comes from private industry contractors, some of whom do good work, some whom waste a lot of public money.

    My personal experience is I have worked about 18 years in the private sector and about 5 years in the public sector (if you count my military service). I know I am far more committed and efficient working in my public role and managing a program that I take very seriously, versus worrying about “billability” and “staying utilized” in the private industry, where “having” work was often the main focus.

  • Bryan F August 24, 2010 (9:31 pm)

    Oh – and living wage government jobs DO create wealth, as those workers buy goods, purchase or rent property, and pay for services – this is called the multiplier effect, a pretty basic economic concept.

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