Our reliance on a mono-economy based primarily on tourism and taxbased employment has created the core problem within our community: low wages in the private sector; lack of affordable housing; decreasing student bodies; and exodus of collegeeducated graduates and young families.
Economic diversity is key to weathering economic challenges and has more ability to overcome specific climate and weather conditions, over which we have no control, such as the July 4th blowdown and the Ham Lake fire. Tourism, which accounts for 54 percent of all jobs in Cook County, is highly dependent on the vagaries of climate and weather.
We need to focus our resources on private ventures that create high wage opportunities and benefits for our community. Because of our unique environment and host of recreational opportunities, these ventures can serve as a magnet to attract other similar businesses. We have the infrastructure to accomplish this, why wait?
George Carlson
Cook County
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