I visited the neighborhoods of Deland, Florida in Volusia County that comprise Florida Congressional District 3 (CD-3). It should not come as a surprise, but the neighborhoods were comprised of people that were less affluent than those that live in the other neighborhoods of Deland that surround CD-3. The issues of poverty, lack of employment opportunities, as observed in the other parts of CD-3, are here, too.
My first visit was with a community recreation center where I had the opportunity to speak with a man that was focused on helping young men avoid the life of crime. He himself had been in prison once. He turned his life around with the help of God and was now an associate pastor at a nearby church, but during the week he worked at the center.
My longest visit was with a group of two men and a woman sitting outside relaxing under the setting sun. All were frustrated with the economy and lack of job prospects. One even complained that his wages were stagnant, yet the cost of living had increased. I can fully understand his plight. He is not alone and I believe more people will join his ranks because of the effects from our past and current fiscal policies.
Our ongoing deficits and large national debt will eventually lead to inflation. Even worse will be anemic wage growth due to foreign competition unless workers can provide greater value obtained through ongoing/lifelong training and education. The good news is that those who can provide value by solving other people’s problems will find employment that provides financial security.
Monday, October 5, 2009
How Does SunRail Benefit The People?
In Orlando today, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, U.S. Congresswoman Corrine Brown and U.S. Congressman John Mica hosted US Department of Transportation Secretary Ray H. LaHood for a briefing session on the status of high-speed rail in Florida. More specifically, Secretary LaHood was there to put pressure on Florida to fund the SunRail project (a central Florida commuter rail system) so it has a greater chance to win federal funding for a high-speed rail system.
Even though I advocate rail transportation, the thing that bothers me about SunRail and the initial leg of the proposed high-speed rail in Florida is that it provides very, very little benefit to those
in Florida Congressional District 3 (CD-3). All this show and tell as seen in this photo makes me wonder whom my Congresswoman is really representing? I do not think it is the citizens of CD-3.
If she were truly representing us in Washington, she would be focusing all her hard work and dedication on those things that would provide a greater impact to our community such as:
1. Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education,
2. Healthy Families and Communities, and
3. Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.
Even though I advocate rail transportation, the thing that bothers me about SunRail and the initial leg of the proposed high-speed rail in Florida is that it provides very, very little benefit to those
in Florida Congressional District 3 (CD-3). All this show and tell as seen in this photo makes me wonder whom my Congresswoman is really representing? I do not think it is the citizens of CD-3.If she were truly representing us in Washington, she would be focusing all her hard work and dedication on those things that would provide a greater impact to our community such as:
1. Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education,
2. Healthy Families and Communities, and
3. Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.
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