Jobs should be more important than saving the past
By JOSEPH E. GOODELL
5/13/2006
Let me start by saying that I support responsible preservation. I have given significant financial support to that end in the Buffalo area.
A recent Wall Street Journal article stated that 60 to 80 percent of all new jobs generated in America are by small enterprises. A Buffalo News survey prior to last November's election indicated that area residents see jobs as our most important problem by far. The politicians echoed that. The area needs to have an outlook and processes that strongly encourage small business formation and expansion. We do not have that now.
There is a conflict between jobs and preservation. The restaurant owner on Elmwood and the Main Street Delta Sonic mess come to mind. Preservationists with no accountability convinced elected officials that preservation was more important than jobs.
Further, the efforts to prevent demolition of certain grain elevators brought on by the proposed casino also do not consider the jobs involved. (Leaving aside the issue of whether the casino is a good or bad idea.) Rather than idolize those symbols of another age, they should work to turn the river into a recreation area with deference to the past. That will create jobs.
The irresponsible preservationists don't have to pay the costs of the preservation. If they were financially responsible for the result, they would be much more careful and would identify the really important projects. They have to be accountable and explain why jobs are less important than living in the past.
The Elmwood Village hotel makes several points. The facade was modified to harmonize with adjacent buildings at little or no cost. This is responsible preservation; however, they got the hotel owner to eliminate a floor. (There are probably a couple of jobs associated with maintaining that floor). One councilman reacted to the news by saying he would await judgment until he heard from the preservationists. He should have had a brass band to welcome the 25 or so jobs coming there.
Perhaps the preservationists should be required to submit a Jobs Impact Statement when they oppose efforts that will increase jobs. In the interests of diversity, some positions on the City Preservation Commission should be held by those who really want to see us grow with new jobs. Such balance would be healthy. That board has the power to prevent almost any demolition.
Finally, the preservationists should form a group with responsible leadership. They could then develop plans, as others raising money do. Good ideas for preserving the really important buildings, not just old things, will attract money, private and public.
Our community, particularly our elected leaders, must focus on jobs. Remember that it is the little guys who create jobs. Responsible preservationists should certainly have a seat at the table. Some of them deserve to be heard.
We can pray for big company jobs, but we can do something about small company jobs.
Joseph E. Goodell, a retired Buffalo businessman, lives in Derby.
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Originally Posted by 300miles
