Erik presenting his statement at the City of Shelton CommissionPublic Hearing for the rezoning of the Shelton Hills property
Submitted to Shelton Blog by Erik Mason County Progressive
From some of the discussions we’ve heard, you’d think that this Hall Equities Project would be all bad and terrible for Shelton because it could someday endanger the position of Sanderson Field.
The truth behind this sentiment is that the airport is a playground for the well established in our community. But what about those who aren’t so well established, such as the unemployed? The airport does not help them in any way, and it could even be hurting them by trying to stop a company that would bring many much needed jobs.
I believe that Hall Equities will be bringing many more jobs to the area than the airport ever could, both in temporary construction jobs and in permanent jobs in the businesses and stores they would bring here.
The availability of decent, entry level jobs to local young people like me would be a huge advantage to Shelton in several ways:
First, it would give young people a chance to do something truly worthwhile in our community by working and earning our way.
Second, it would give us more opportunity to spend the money that we earn in local businesses, stimulating our local economy by buying what people have to sell, eating in local restaurants, or spending money on local recreation such as the cinema. It is an undeniable fact that having the younger generation spending here in town would support existing businesses and jobs, which can only come about if the young people are earning money by working in the job opportunities that Hall Equities will bring in.
Third, it stands to reason that the more time young people are busy at work, earning their way in the world, the less time they have to hang around and cause problems. Working at a job is a large step towards becoming a responsible adult.
Hall Equities will bring jobs for the young and older alike, but the availability of jobs for the youth of Shelton is very important. The fact that those concerned about the airport have been stopping this project from moving forward is a sign that they are more concerned about their own personal pleasure and lifestyle than they are about the local economy. They would rather be playing at the airport than supporting jobs for their children or grandchildren. This sentiment is harmful to the community.
Two out of three of our elected Port of Shelton officials are pilots, as is the Port’s Executive Director. These pilots have been leading the other pilots in the community to rally against the good of Shelton, instead of for it as they ought to be, to block the Hall Equities Project. Shelton needs the jobs that Hall Equities will bring, and the young people of Shelton need the job opportunities.
So please don’t let the droning of the naysaying pilots stop the progress that Shelton needs. I urge you to support Hall Equities and the Neighborhood/Residential Rezone.
Thank you.
Photo by Christine
I couldn't be more proud of this post had it come from my own kid. In this one opinion, Erik has put to rest any doubts his elders may have had in the ability of the local young people to grasp the full meaning of our current economic condition and those who would hold us in cycles of poverty to further their own, misguided agenda.
ReplyDeleteYES, YES, & YES!!!
ReplyDeleteWe hope Erik will also send his erudite statement as a letter to the Editor of the Shelton-Mason County Journal, if he hasn't already done so, AND mentions his AGE!!!
KUDOS to YOU Erik!!! Our community is so very proud of you!!!
Great statement from an obviously very astute young man. What the Port of Shelton has been doing to try to stop this major economic opportunity in Shelton should be a wake-up call to everyone in the community. Is that what your tax dollars should be supporting -- efforts to kill jobs? To preserve an exclusive "country club" atmosphere at the airport? Do people understand that with enlightened leadership at the Port, the airport could be greatly enhanced with this project?
ReplyDeleteThank You for standing up for what you believe in!
ReplyDeleteVery good speech that was very well delivered. Above all, Eric, they showed you Respect!
I am very proud to know this young man. I have seen him at many meeting at the Port and the City. He is taking an active part in his community and is an example to his elders, as well as young people his own age. By reading the above you know a lot of thought went into his comments, and he isn't afraid to call it as he sees it. Kudos to you, Erik.
ReplyDeleteIt is refreshing to see an activist in our community who is so young. I hope that Erik can inspire other young activists to come forward to speak out for what our young people need: Jobs! Thank you Erik.
ReplyDelete