Coordinated economic development is needed

The other day a friend asked via e-mail why I'm becoming an activist in Sisters. When I confirmed it was about our economically distressed community he e-mailed back and asked for the real answer. The implication was where's the money? The fact is that I'm 62 years old and recently had the gift of a brain tumor. I've been looking, but so far I haven't seen a luggage rack on a hearse.

Over the past month people I have never met have labeled me a "greedy developer" and implied that it's all about building more houses. These individuals should consider taking the time to read our Comprehensive Plan. The document defines land inventory in Sisters through 2025. In our current economy no one is suggesting that we add more residential or industrial land.

Brad Boyd has done a good job as mayor. He's kept his door open to the community and knows how to facilitate a meeting. He understands the need for early childhood development as well as senior housing, and thus has been a major supporter of McKenzie Meadow Village. In addition he owns and operates an amazing cycling shop. With Brad's help in fitting my bike, I successfully rode Cycle Oregon.

My issues with Brad and the City are centered on a huge blind spot defined as economic development. The Oregon Economic & Community Development Department in 2007 labeled Sisters "severely distressed." They define Sisters per capita income at $17,847 per year and confirm that 10.4 percent of our population is living below the poverty level.

One of the major growth industries in Sisters is our food bank.

When I read quotes from our mayor that economic development is "not our expertise" and that the responsibility is "squarely on the chamber" my blood pressure surges.

Economic development is a wonderful mix of grant writing, school-to-work programs, transportation, social service enhancement, job retention, health care improvement and business recruitment.

Economic development represents the most important challenge facing our community. By leveraging our status as "severely distressed" we should find significant federal, state, county and grant opportunities. Currently EDCO (Economic Development of Central Oregon), our support team for Sisters, has publicly stated "the biggest problem in Sisters is no one is on the same page."

It's time for our leadership to let go of ego and humbly request the expertise that EDCO can bring to Sisters. We need to work as a community to become the economic development leader in our region.

The future of our country rests on new energy technology. ET will determine if America continues its economic leadership. What if our currently vacant industrial parks became Oregon's energy technology center? What if city government, in cooperation with our chamber and our business community, set a goal of being the energy technology center for our state? What jobs would we create for our children? What contribution would our community make to our world? Is ET one person's dream, or do others in our community share the vision?

My bet has always been on the citizens of Sisters.

It's time for our leadership to coordinate and focus on alternative solutions by thinking outside the box. Together we can build a strong economy that helps alleviate poverty.

Why will I vote for Lon Kellstrom, Jerry Bogart and Pat Thompson? They understand the vital importance of economic development in our community. They don't need time and education to get up to speed. Their election will be a shortcut to a coordinated effort between the City, Chamber, EDCO, and our business community. With their experience and leadership we will begin to alleviate the economic stress and hardship Sisters families are experiencing.

Bill Willitts is a community activist and the developer of the FivePine Campus in Sisters.