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Humboldt County, CA November 4, 2008 Election
Smart Voter

Local Economic Development

By Michael Winkler

Candidate for Council Member; City of Arcata

This information is provided by the candidate
Local economic development through promoting value-added products, environmental services, renewable energy technology and media services.
At one time Arcata's economy was dominated by resource extraction industries such as timber and fishing. These industries provided many living wage jobs and no other industry has yet taken up the slack. The locally abundant natural resources provide a base for the economy of our new century. This new economy should be based on products that start with natural resources, but use the skills, knowledge, and creativity of our local people. I encourage the production of value-added products made with local resources to export outside of Humboldt County. Such products include, but are not limited to: specialty organic foods, fine furniture, certified wood, and fine art. Other areas for new business development include environmental services, renewable energy technology and media services.

Tourism can also create many new jobs and bring money and tax revenue into our local economy. Development of tourism is worthwhile, but unfortunately most of the jobs created in this sector will be low pay and low skill. We should work to develop the economy in a way that creates jobs, which will encourage HSU graduates to remain in the Arcata area. Currently, we are exporting our talent pool as graduates quickly look to other places to find quality jobs and this trend needs to be reversed.

I will work to make Arcata's city government a catalyst for connecting intelligent and ambitious young people with the support services and mentoring that they need to be successful, whether that be starting their own business or joining an apprenticeship program.

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ca/hm Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 30, 2008 16:06
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