Bacon's Rebellion

Explaining Virginia’s Economic Growth

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by

James A. Bacon
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4 responses to “Explaining Virginia’s Economic Growth”

  1. Steve Haner Avatar
    Steve Haner

    My gauge of the economy is the traffic on I 64 east early on weekday mornings, and the traffic this fall is heavier. Recessions are great for traffic. You are right that governors have only limited impact over this, and each new governor starts off dealing with the projects his predecessor put into the pipeline. That can be a blessing or a curse. But don’t underestimate the power of a strong sales pitch, or the damage done by neglect, and the current occupant deserves praise for his efforts in this arena. I’ll bet the pipeline looks good. You are right that it is the same spiel every time you hear him talk, but I don’t think that makes it an act. He is a natural.

    What Virginia lacks right now is a strong story, something that sets us apart from the other good-for-business states in this region, some “hey, look at us!” message. On the policy side we have been coasting. We’ve squandered some advantages (lower energy costs, lower college tuition.) I see those ads for New York and I watch what NC has done with taxes. Plenty of things we could do better and then brag about.

  2. TooManyTaxes Avatar
    TooManyTaxes

    Earlier this year, Fairfax County budget executives told residents that at least through the Spring when the budget was adopted, job growth in Fairfax County continues to be at the low-end of the compensation spectrum – service jobs. Now I’m happy for these people who got jobs, this is not the type of job growth that is needed.

    Glad to see Peter writing in the Post. But who gets to write to present the other side of issues? Who gets to write to show more taxes and government spending might not be the recipe needed by the Commonwealth? Spiking both the news and commentary.

  3. Peter Galuszka Avatar
    Peter Galuszka

    Jim,
    Thanks for the shout out. TooMany Taxes, why don’t you submit an essay to The Local Opinions of WaPO

    1. TooManyTaxes Avatar
      TooManyTaxes

      Peter, over the years I have submitted several items to the Local Opinions of the WaPo and have been rejected each time. I must confess that each piece took issue with a WaPo editorial and generally suggested important facts were ignored. The Post simply rejects the concept of Op-Ed when it comes to taxes and spending in the Old Dominion.

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