From another one of those WI farmers who has to stick his nose out.Jefferson County Supervisor
L*L
Markess
Economic development is the engine that keeps our country running. It means jobs and income, building and manufacturing, sales and service, all of which provide tax base for assessment (sometimes).
But how do we measure economic development? Our government�s leading economic indicator is the Gross Domestic Product (the GDP). It measures the transfer of funds or money from person to person. Corporations have been granted the status of legal person, so they are included in this evaluation. The GDP is an outdated method of assessing the health of our economy. Yet this is the major economic indicator our country uses in setting policy for economic growth and is hopelessly inadequate.
The GDP only measures transference of money, it in no way attempts to discern whether the transaction actually contributes positively to community or society. It is a flawed and limited way to evaluate economic growth. It originated out of World War Two economic desperation and is hopelessly inadequate.
Let me give you an example of the shortcomings of the GDP as a tool for setting economic policy. According to the GDP, if after tonight�s meeting, I stop at the bar and consume a half dozen beers, that is a positive contribution to the Gross Domestic Product. Later when I run over a family of eight, killing half of them and maiming the other half, that is a positive contribution. The funeral services�positive contribution. Hospital cost, rehabilitation and long term health aids�positive contribution. Time in court, lawyer fees, jail time and truck repair�all positive contributions.
In today�s climate of corporate accounting (like Arthur Anderson and Enron Voodoo Accounting), we need a genuine progress indicator to measure our economic development picture. A genuine progress indicator would evaluate economic progress by a means other than gross growth, and also reflects the impact on the community and environment. As newly elected chairman of the Jefferson County Economic Development Committee, I intend to do just that.
For more information on the Genuine Progress Indicator and other ideas and concepts related to sustainable development, contact Redefining Progress at:
1904 Franklin Street, Sixth Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. ph. (510) 444-3041 <www.rprogress.org>
Sincerely,
Greg David
Title: FW: [helpinghands] Genuine progress or business as usual?
