Our city is suffering like many other cities from the economic problems of our nation.  We remain among the top of the list of cities with high poverty rates. Many of the Cleveland and Ward 8 residents are unemployed, or employed but making too little income to improve their lives. Most work without health benefits; many have employable skills but still cannot find work.

Ward 8 can grow and benefit from the new “green” economy. We must fight as a city to be a part of the development of jobs in the alternative energy industry. Actual city residents living in our neighborhoods must be recruited and trained to benefit in the region’s expected success in securing Cleveland as among the cities involved in the new “green” economy. Additionally, other economic investments must be pursued in small business development. More jobs in our society are found at small businesses. The more assistance and investment in creating businesses in our neighborhoods the more people will work. Availability to credit, non-discriminatory loan policies from financial institutions, and public-private partnerships will be a significant approach to creating and expanding small business within Ward 8.

Another important opportunity for residents of Ward 8 is the upcoming move of the Cleveland- Cuyahoga Port Authority within the Ward 8 lakefront area. This multimillion dollar investment must be linked to the surrounding communities. We must insure that training and job opportunities also go to the citizens living in the shadow of the new upcoming Port complex.  Many of the economic problems existing today must be solved at the national and international level. But there are still policies and procedures locally that leaders can do to provide good living wage jobs for its citizens.

I am committed to lead that fight in City Council, in partnership with the residents of Ward 8, to make us economically stronger, and a community that provides more job opportunities for its own.