Below is a post from a local discussion board. I do not know any of the participants and obviously they are anonymous. What is really telling is the angst at realizing the truth about NWI economic conditions and what has brought it about -- corrupt, incompetent, and evil politicians like Pabey in East Chicago, the McDermotts of Hammond, most Gary politicians and let us not forget Lake County Government. What is further heart wrenching is that they realize that there is no future in NWI with the same people, both elected and appointed, continuing in their positions.
The writers on this discussion board would like to remain in NWI; but the failure of politicians and higher education to perform their elected and appointed duties has and continues to doom the area. The only solution is their wholesale replacement. That is what thinking voters realize.
Even the Governor in his new design of the highway bypasses all of the northern part of Lake County, just like the rest of the world is doing.
The thread was entitled: Northwest Indiana Economic Outlook:
Post subject: Lake county economic outlook
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Has there been any news or dealings with getting some Fortune 500 companies to call NW Indiana home?
I haven't had the need or a reason to seek employement in my NW Indiana home town area, however I will be soon. I currenlty work in Chicago.
After seeing how my peers are fairing in the job market at home, I have little or no hope to find employment here. There weren't any IT jobs in NW Indiana in 1994 and still aren't any in 2006. What gives? Has there been any work on getting our area up to speed with the rest of corporate world? Are we destined to always be a consumable goods economy?
Many Chicago suburbs in Illinois have corporate HQ's in thier backyards.
Have we done anything to instill this type of thought in our area?
The future isn't looking for us. We need to step out of the small town mentality and step up to reality. What needs to be done? How can we do this?
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expresso66
Senior Member
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| Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 12:10 pm Post subject: |
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Just stay in your little job in Chicago.........and all will be well with you. Don't worry!
_________________
NEVER back off! |
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ekrz44
New Member
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| Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 12:15 pm Post subject: |
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I don't understand the intent of your reply post.
Is it meant to belittle me, or are you intentionaly not trying to reply with a rational adult answer?
Just don't reply if you don't have anything to add.
Thanks! |
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nwi
Member
Joined: 13 Nov 2006
Posts: 40
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| Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 3:08 pm Post subject: |
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Blame the political corruption in the region. For far too long, politicians were able to do what they wanted (patronage, nepotism, rent-seeking & outright theft) and just bill heavy industry, while keeping taxes low for voters. As foreign competition changed the economics of US heavy industry, local politics did not change. The promise of high paying industrial jobs and low taxes kept many in line, but inevitably a "brain drain" occurred. Many who remained are dependent upon the status quo and make a living off of patronage jobs, nepotism and rent-seeking. That is why, even with the recent shift of taxes away from heavy industry, North Lake County politics have not changed.
Many South Lake County towns are doing the right things, but their relatively low populations and proximity to North Lake County inhibit their potential for quality job growth.
The suburbs with corporate hqs are run efficiently, with good schools, relatively low costs of government, and NO tolerance for corruption. They also occupy large contiguous areas with high populations. There is very little commitment to quality higher eduction in NWI and, as a result, a limited pool of potential workers for modern corporations.
Therefore, no large company would even consider a corporate hq in the region. |
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ekrz44
New Member
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| Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 3:29 pm Post subject: Thank you NWI... |
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for that insight.
It's a shame it seems almost impossible to bring a positive change to the area. We have Purdue creating a new Campus in NWI and we have IUN in Gary. They produce quality people with degress and knowledge that could help the area, however most end up seeking employment in other areas because of the lack of quality occupations here. We are stuck in a rut, and it's ashame. The people required for this change are here.
You make a good point about old school politics. Maybe one day we'll see a good old fashion political enima in the region, maybe like the one we're seeing in Chicago. |
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expresso66
Senior Member
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| Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 4:42 pm Post subject: |
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Well, my adult answer had a little sweet on it. But my point is this, if you have a good, paying job in CHI town, go with it! As for LC, it's the stinking politicos who mess up this county. Imagine, some of the world's biggest industries are here, yet we have such high property taxes.........it's a child's joke!
_________________
NEVER back off! |
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| Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:40 am Post subject: Point was.. |
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I won't be employed soon for reasons beyond my control. Would love to get a job in my home town, however I don't see that happening. I started looking for positions in my field without any succes. Even similar employement positions to my field pay very little when they are available.
Seems the only good paying jobs with any security in the area are politician positions.
I agree, we have big boys in town in billion dollar markets and tons of chain stores and restaraunts yet our cost of living is rivaling Illinios. |
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expresso66
Senior Member
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| Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 7:04 am Post subject: |
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Try getting a job in Chicago, however, your'll have to take the SS train. All through history, people have had to move to better thier life, maybe it's time you get that gig in Chi town!
_________________
NEVER back off! |
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davi5New Member
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| Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 2:53 pm Post subject: lake county economic outlook. |
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As a lifelong of nwi. It seems like the more things the more they the same.
I know people who have tried to find work here in nwi. Some of them have trouble paying their utilites and face shut offs and some have even found their homes sold recently in tax lien sales. My job which pays 6.00 an hour here, pays up to 15.00 an hour in chicago. Cost of living is higher in chicago. But it is still worth the trip. Be thankful for the chicago gig. By the way I have started actively applied for jobs in chicago and illinois area, because of the starvation wages paid here. More Advice, for all of you moving here from illnois The bus system is not the CTA, not by a long shot. Read the article about the racial divide in the region under the story day 4, transporation You will learn a lot about public transportation in nwi. |
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