To the editor:
Peterborough needs to contract economic development support. We used to be a prosperous town, a seedbed for computer publishing, manufacturing, specialty retailing and direct mail. We hit bottom in 2010. Fortunately, manufacturing persisted, focused on tech and turned around. But we lack skilled employees. Our young people are leaving because of high tuitions, high housing costs, high property taxes and better opportunities elsewhere.
The Economic Development Authority just completed its vision process for the town. Success in 2016 is not about finding a large company to bring jobs here. Instead we need to attract young entrepreneurs with two to 20 employees. Such small companies give our town resilience and more sustainability. As one company outgrows the town or goes under, another can step in. How can we make sure our town has entrepreneurs to start next generation businesses and skilled workers to keep the powerful employers here? Whose job is it to turn our economy around?
The EDA is responsible for working with the town to create a regulatory environment that is attractive to clean businesses, consistent with the Master Plan. Volunteers play a critically important role, but cannot function in a vacuum. The Chamber of Commerce helps out, but it has to meet the needs of its members across 22 towns. Staff already have more than full-time jobs.
The town has limited resources. We cannot add an army. We need someone for two years, to set up systems to attract people and companies. We need someone to set up mechanisms to monitor job loss threats and build “stickiness” in our labor force and businesses. We need someone to build collaborations that will multiply commercial revenues and lower residents’ property bills. We need Peterborough residents to vote for the EDA support warrant article on May 10.
Jeanne Dietsch
Peterborough