Creating Jobs for a Sustainable Future

By Justin P. Jeffre

"We must create jobs in Cincinnati that cannot be sent overseas" Justin Jeffre

The other candidates are counting on the government to provide jobs by injecting millions into our economy. The only problem with this scenario is that the jobs created by government produce income for the employee but do not produce anything. It is like taking money out of your right pocket and putting it in your left. They are tax dollars regardless of which entity is the channel. Money has changed hands but nothing has been produced, and once the construction project ends it is back to the unemployment line for the workers.

My idea for a sustainable economy in Cincinnati is to attract dollars from outside the local area. New dollars come to town when people come to town. By attracting tourists we can support and grow our local economy. We have a lot to offer the world from art and architecture to history and a rich cultural heritage not found anywhere else. Professional and College sports draw people to town and they spend money when they are here. We need to attract more of them and get them to stay longer. What types of businesses will bring more people? Entertainment is one key to our future that remains underdeveloped.

In order to explain my vision in terms that people can understand I will use Branson, Missouri as an example. Branson is a much smaller town than Cincinnati. (7000 people vs. 320,000) In 2004 Branson attracted 7.3 million visitors that spent $1.4 billion and accounted for over $50 million dollars in sales tax revenue. Tourism is Branson's number one industry. Using what they have and selling entertainment these people have been successful. We can do this today in Cincinnati. We have the people and we must reinvent ourselves to thrive in this century.

Imagine floating theatres permanently anchored along the river in the "River Lights District" glowing and sparkling and alive with theatre goers and entertainment. Lit up like Broadway with an atmosphere of celebration nightly. Shuttles would link the theatre district to the entertainment district on Main Street with regular service. Theatres could be built locally. The "Rhythm and Soul" Hall of Fame needs to be in Cincinnati because this is where it all began. Over the Rhine would be transformed into restaurants, clubs, boutiques, art galleries, coffee houses and other small businesses to provide shopping and activities for visitors. By promoting ourselves to the world we can secure a future that provides opportunity for all that want to work. By creating jobs and training programs locally we can achieve full employment. We need to address our racial problems in order to make this vision happen.