Stimulate Highlands Economy With Construction Projects

A lot of good people around here are searching for ways to stimulate the economy. What our economy needs, and what the national economy needs, have some things in common and quite a few differences. What we really need is getting some construction moving.

Highlands County has no giant manufacturer where the majority of the residents work. Intel doesn't have a chip plant and GM doesn't build cars here. We have smaller manufacturers, but our employment picture is spread across many areas.

Citrus and ornamental plants are big producers here, but beyond that, much of our economy is driven by construction. Right now that's a big negative because not much is going on. Building permits are fewer now than any time most people can remember.

Our area needs construction projects that put local subcontractors to work. Those jobs create disposable income that filters throughout our economy. Our local merchants benefit by more goods being sold. Building-related companies also see the benefit. It also puts to work many of the people who now are forced to rely on free community services.

Not so long ago these folks were swamped with work. Following the 2004 hurricanes, it was almost impossible to find construction folks to do basic things for existing construction. Now it's just the opposite.

One problem, however, is that as bidding goes so low for any construction jobs, carpenters and other skilled trades are forced to take much lower money than before. Considering the amount of experience it requires to learn these trades, it's unfair. That leaves out-of-area, sometimes illegal workers, who are willing to work for incredibly low wages to build our buildings. That doesn't boost our economy.

We need to spur new construction in any way we can, with local workers being paid a livable wage. Saving a few dollars to contract these jobs out of the area does us no good.

The men and women who live here and served our area so well need a break. Whether it's a new sheriff's office or any other project, they deserve a fair shot at competing for these jobs.

If we can in any way restore this lost struggling sector of our economy, we'll be on the way to better days. It won't come fast, but at least it's a move in the right direction.