Apr 30 2005
Politics Big Factor in Economic Development (or lack thereof…)
It was interesting to see the Post Gazette digging into this issue.
I think the layman understands that politics can affect economies, especially in the Pittsburgh region. Of course, Pittsburghers are not alone in expecting too much magic from government solutions — after all, government is the instrument of politically connected for better, or, too often, worse.
Pittsburgh is a case study of politically oriented / connected interests trumping those of the private sector and the population in general. Its declining population and stagnate business climate, in the midst of junk bond ratings and politicians preferring higher taxes and tax burden shifting away from the region’s large and active elderly population to others, instead of cutting fat — are all clear indictments.
Still, its good to see the subject broached. Economies are only so wealthy as political interests will allow. That’s a good subject to discuss, and often. Especially on a national level.
