Our Promises To Our Kids and the Needs of a New Economy

By Ron M Moskowitz

Education is a priority

Just as in other issues, what benefits Placentia benefits the county, the region, the state, and the nation. As a moderate sized city, we should not go it alone in educational issues. Our City Council must be close partners with educational leaders at all levels. We must secure the funds we need for our local schools. We have a strong financial base in Placentia, but we cannot do it all, and we must not try to do it all. We need help, and we must seek help.

The past years have shown us that in periods of weak growth or even recession, good paying manufacturing jobs flee. This was the case in the past in Los Angeles County, and now it is occurring in Orange County. (California State Department of Transportation Economic Forecast, 2004, http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/offices/ote/socio-economic.htm)

In the new economy, our kids will not be able to rely on a few large local employers to offer them the promise of the American Dream. They will require technology training, superior writing skills, and strong science and mathematical capabilities. Our expectations for these students must be high. From what we all know of these kids, such expectations will not go unmet.

We must keep faith with our children, providing them the great education we promise them. Educating our kids well today ensures a skilled labor force for tomorrow. These efforts will bring greater prosperity to Placentia, and make our city a pleasant--and productive--place to live for the next generation.