The New Ohio Economy - Green

As the State of Ohio continues to lose its once great business and skilled manufacturing base, little has been proposed by our leading politicos about directing Ohio toward the future. I suggest that we address this future by taking a leadership role in “green” economic initiatives and manufacturing. This can be accomplished on a local and state level by calling upon and supporting existing Ohio businesses to engage in a coordinated establishment for the production of “green energy” components. These components can be utilized throughout the United States and exported for greater environmental stewardship.

It may be suggested that a business capable of fabricating vehicle parts and accessories may readily be re-tooled for the production of components for wind turbines, solar panel grids or harness wave energies. Equally, a manufacturer of wiring harness for vehicles or aeronautic use may well adapt to wiring harnesses for other efficient energy conversions. Certainly these tasks will take the efforts of many people who will require a level of skill and pay beyond that of minimum wage. The addition of skilled workers and infusion of long term capital will substantially advance our local or state economies.

Reference can be made to fundamental economic models that demonstrate when there is an increase in technology such as a more reliable and less expensive form of energy, the relative wealth of the effected community increases; wages increase and often there is an increase in employment. Try to think of Findlay, Ohio in the days of the natural gas boom around 1885. The discovery of natural gas deposits let to national marketing efforts advertising free gass with business leaders trying to "boom" the town. It may be noted that during such times overall business productivity increases causing either an increase in building capital and an increase of skilled workers into the community. This is a business model that we should welcome because the benefits are plentiful and the investment gives the prospect for a profitable return to our community.

I suggest that the State of Ohio can use funds collected from its businesses to create the future for business in our state, namely: the approximate 15 Billion Dollar residual Workers’ Compensation Fund. While made less by a lack of earnings on rare coins, off-shore hedge funds and disastrous economic failures of the present administration, significant funds remain that can be loaned to manufacturers to re-tool and build the factories where the components of green energy around the world can find their home in northwestern Ohio.

Many of our families, parents or grandparents work the ground to support and provide security for their families. We too can we begin to create the foundation for the next green economy. It is time that we begin to build the industrial and manufacturing base that will support the individuals, families, our communities and our state with the economic and political security necessary to preserve and continue the freedoms we enjoy. Now, if we could just find a few politicos with the vision and fortitude to open this path, I believe we can build our future from the ground up through adaptation and innovation. It is time to re-vitalize Ohio.