A Realistic Look at Local Government and Business

As we enter into a new year and leave behind the horrible memories of another Illinois governor heading to prison, unemployement and attacks on entry-level employees' pensions, I think about a few things in which government and business can become community friendly.

Yes, in a land of rainbows and unicorns, this would not be a issue, but this, of course, is the real world and often many officials and business executives forget.

A Tale of Two Companies

You have several types of business/corporations. I will take the most extreme to get my point across. I have always had a strong belief that individuals who pay taxes in a community should have a chance to be hired to any business in their tax district before going out of the area.

Why hire a construction company located in Barrington to have contract work done in Steger if a qualified company is already in the area?

"Company ABC" buys near a forest preserve next to a wildlife protection area, cuts down all the trees, and covers most of the land with parking lots. It builds - with tax breaks given by the community to encourage it to settle there - a large factory that belches smoke into the sky and flushes chemicals into the river that flows through the protected land next door. 

Many local people apply for the high-paying jobs the factory offers, but few are hire. Company ABC has brought most of its former workforce with it, driving up local housing prices and flooding the schools with new students. Suddenly taxes and prices rise, and new houses are going up on much of the open land that has made the community a pleasant place to live. 

As if that weren't enough, the company refuses to join the local Rotary Club, explaining that its parent company contributes to charity through its own foundation. When local organizations inquire about funding from the foundation, Company ABC representatives tell them that it only gives money to large, established charities.

"Company 123" buys a similar, but larger, tract of land... and immediately sets aside half of it as a conservation area, which it invites the community to use. 

Rather than building a new plant, it has decided that the old factory on the edge of its new land is just what it needs, and hires local contractors to make over the building. At the company's direction, they install solar panels, double-paned windows that will reduce lighting costs and provide solar heat in winter, low-flow faucets, a water-recirculation system, and other "green" features. 

The plant, when it is finished, will be highly energy-efficient, and will, according to the company, put nothing into the environment that's harmful to people, wildlife, plants, or water quality.

Company 123 announces that it plans to hire at least 75 percent of its workforce from the local community, and to set up a training facility so that local people can learn the skills they need to work at the plant. It will also feature an on-site day care center for employees, as well as a generous medical and dental plan. Its executives volunteer for various organizations and boards. 

The company funds half the cost of the construction of a new science center at the high school. It joins United Way and becomes active in its fundraising. And it explains that all of this is the policy of Company 123's parent corporation, which believes in giving back to communities where it earns its money.

Prairie State's Role

As my short time on the Board of Trustee for Prairie State College, I am excited about new policies and training programs the college has established for training students from all ages and backgrounds to prepare in the workplace. The college is also working with local business to hire these students after training.

I have advocated for students who have been thinking of joining training schools who offer quick-training programs, because many will not tell them no credits transferred. These students have instead enrolled at Prairie State College, keeping money in the district they reside in and not somewhere out of state.

I strongly believe that companies doing business with the college should be qualified in the district, if possible. Many contribute back into the college by attending the College Foundation to support students who cannot afford to attend.

It's time for government and business to work together in order to preserve the communities and their citizens. Its time for citizens to voice their concerns and not sit back and complain.Support business that support our communities.

I pray the State of Illinois wake up and become more business friendly. You tax everything and drive companies into other states, along with taking jobs from its citizens.

When are we going to learn.