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One resounding thing people on the street keep telling me.
We need change around here the loss of business and jobs here is killing us....
We need a new city manager with new ideas....
Ok well I don't think economic development has been in the job description of past City Managers but perhaps that should now be in the new job description.
Lack of jobs and economic development seems to be paramount on the minds of people in Owosso.
I think the City Council should be forming a Economic Development Committee within the Council to lead the city on a course of economic growth and prosperity. This will result in more jobs for the community and an improved tax base. The simple economic reality is without more revenue from taxes the city cannot maintain what we have here now such as streets, schools and yes even the swimming pool that is held so dear to the people of Owosso.
It is past time for the Council to get into action on this matter. Too much time has already passed on lack of economic development in the area and the Council has not even started to address this matter.
If someone is going to say we needed to get rid of the city manager first to get the ball rolling, then I am going to counter with, the manager could not have stopped council from forming a Economic Development Committee.
I think we should all expect to see some headway on economic development in Owosso before the next election for Council or hand the current Council a pink slip.
Yes it is time for a new outlook, it starts with some action by Council now.

same story all across the country
not exactly the problem
same story all across the country
You already have that with your "City of Owosso" Chamber of Commerce, I know they call it "Regional" but that was a change in name only. They get money from municipalities and the county for Economic Development.. If you want your own committee, quit giving them money.
That's a real no brainer political statement except you got a millage for two years on the pool. No excuse to close before the millage runs out.
You are out of your mind. Are you going to run for council next time?
You think you handin' somebody an ultimatum or somethin'. You are way behind the times. The FabFour already way ahead of you.

An economic development committee is a good idea. Just fill the committee with people who live in the city, have kids in public schools, and make less than $25,000/year. That way you get some new ideas.

The committee should be part of the City Council for the same reason the US Congress forms committees within Congress, "It has the power to act on it's findings." A outside committee has no real power to do anything. People want real change in Owosso and that is why the people wanted to see the city manager gone. Well it is now time for the Council to make good on it's promises. If this Council can't make change soon it will be time for them to join the old city manager.
The people of Owosso want results now not more lame promises. The citizens of our city don't have the time to wait till the last dime is spent from the city treasury. Action is way past due.
The ball is now in your court Council, People are now expecting you to do something brilliant with this opportunity. You now have to deliver what you told us you would do when you asked for our vote.

I kinda think it took more than a day or two to make such a mess, but sounds like you expect them to clean it all up and fix everything in a day, maybe two? Who do you think you are, telling them what to do? Speaking for "the people of Owosso". In case you forgot, they were elected by the people of Owosso. You were not. They are moving right along, appointed an interim city manager on schedule. They really don't need you telling them what they need to do. You don't know Jack about nothin'. You make an unpleasant noise is all.

You need to attend that February 27 training session.

Kaylor, you're accusing someone of not knowing "Jack about nothin," was pretty insulting. It also gives the reader the impression perhaps that you think you know a lot more than most, but at least the person you were insulting. It wasn't very nice of you. The other person has just as much as an opinion based upon their own observations and dealings with the city council as you do.

Congress does have some ad hoc committees where people outside of Congress are on them as well as members of Congress.

The poor economic situation in Michigan is not the same all over the US. There are quite a few areas where economic growth is at a rapid pace making good paying jobs very available if you require the job skills or necessary education.

Unemployment is very low for a national average, but much higher in Michigan. Michigan's economy has always been very dependent upon the auto industry; especially communities in the lower half of the state. Look at Owosso for a minute. How many industrial businesses there had nothing to do with manufacturing something for the auto industry? Woodards and one or two more? The vast majority of industry in Owosso was involved in auto manufacturing. Michigan didn't learn a darn thing during the big recession of the 80's.

At one time, Michigan had some of the largest furniture manufacturers in the nation located in the Grand Rapids area. They left the state for North Carolina in the 50's and 60's. Now you have to ask yourself why did they relocate to NC? The answer to that question will tell you why Michigan is having problems attracting industrial jobs and why other industrial businesses in Michigan have and continue to relocate in the South and elsewhere. Not all of Michigan's jobs are going to foreign countries.

Michigan communities are discovering tax abatement's no longer attract new industry like they used to. Southern state communities offer them as well. So what you need to figure out is, what is there about Michigan that industry is finding unattractive? I know the answer and I think you do to, but unfortunately too many in Michigan have found it necessary when it isn't.

The current Council has been in place long enough to get the ball rolling on forming a committee and start working on attracting new business to the city. The current Council is not even out of the starting gate.
You ask "who do I think I am telling them what to do?"
I will tell you, "I am one of the people."
The last time I checked we have "Government of the people by the people" in this country. The Council is not a monarchy we, are not here to serve the Council.
If it is too hot is the kitchen for the current Council then it is time to get out.
While the Council is simply drifting along with it's heads in the clouds other city's are in action working to attract new business.
We are being passed and left in the dust by other city's half our size.
Young people do not stay here because no opportunities exist for them here.
Our best and brightest are leaving at a ever increasing rate. Perhaps that is why Council is not doing to well in this area.....
If we are going to halt the Darwin principal for this city where the brightest and best leave the area our Council must act now.
We need to give our best and brightest a reason to stay or return.
What is the alternative? Disintegration of our city.

So where do you get the authority to speak for the people? Particularly with threats towards people who were elected by the people?

I am one of the people so I have as much right to speak as anyone.
I have not threatened anyone.
If you don't like free speech then you should move a country that will not allow free speech.

This isn't a threat? Sounds like one to me


Yes you are "one" of the people and yes you have the right to speak for yourself..
People elected by the people have the right to speak for the people.
You were not elected by the people. So, I don't think you have the right to speak for the people. jmho
I certainly would not want you speaking for me.

Only a fool would think that line was a threat.
It was more like a promise but not a threat.

Only a fool would say that line in the first place.

You think you can back that up? Threat or promise, doesn't make any difference.

Do you have enough votes in your pocket to vote them out of office?

Somehow, I just don't think so.

I will just give them some time and a little rope.
It will not be long before council hangs it's self.
It has already put the noose around it' own neck.
I will be waiting.

HOLD YER BREATH.