This year has been the most challenging for our community in recent memory. Businesses have closed and now our bank of fourteen (14) years has also decided to leave. Rarely has a day went by this past week when I haven't heard a citizen ask, "What's next? The Post Office? The School?"
As we entered 2014, I asked the citizens of this community for ideas on businesses which could be established here in Austin that provide a "living-wage". There has been no response.
Our environment is changing rapidly. Facebook, Smart Phones, websites, blogs, routers, Netflix, Internet banking and commerce, and e-harmony dating for godsakes.
The cost of living is skyrocketing. The Endeavor says it will cost parents $241,080 to raise a child and that does not include sending them off to college. With the cost of living rising, the Economic Policy Institute reports that real hourly wages for the middle class was no higher in 2012 than in 2000. The Wall Street Journal reports that stagnant wages are a real threat to our prosperity and way of life. It's no wonder President Obama and others in the know want the minimum wage raised to at least $10.00 an hour.
The Endeavor says that Rural America now accounts for only 16 percent of our nation's population.
The point I am trying to make here is that we must all work together in order to survive. Each and every one of you are good at something. Can you give an hour or two a week of your time devoted to sharing that special talent with the community? Is there a project you would like to see completed? Is there an organization you would like to see formed? Or, can you just give some time helping others complete their mission, e.g., Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Pride Committee, Baseball Association, Dam Association, Historical Society, VFW, Ladies Auxiliary, etc. Or, take the big jump and run for the Borough Council or School Board.
In fact, we absolutely, positively, and without a doubt need our young men and women taking leadership positions in our community. They have stayed abreast of all the technological changes taking place and the different ways of doing things. Their knowledge, skills, abilities and ideas are needed badly in this community if we are to survive and thrive.
Our environment is changing rapidly. Facebook, Smart Phones, websites, blogs, routers, Netflix, Internet banking and commerce, and e-harmony dating for godsakes.
The cost of living is skyrocketing. The Endeavor says it will cost parents $241,080 to raise a child and that does not include sending them off to college. With the cost of living rising, the Economic Policy Institute reports that real hourly wages for the middle class was no higher in 2012 than in 2000. The Wall Street Journal reports that stagnant wages are a real threat to our prosperity and way of life. It's no wonder President Obama and others in the know want the minimum wage raised to at least $10.00 an hour.
The Endeavor says that Rural America now accounts for only 16 percent of our nation's population.
The point I am trying to make here is that we must all work together in order to survive. Each and every one of you are good at something. Can you give an hour or two a week of your time devoted to sharing that special talent with the community? Is there a project you would like to see completed? Is there an organization you would like to see formed? Or, can you just give some time helping others complete their mission, e.g., Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Pride Committee, Baseball Association, Dam Association, Historical Society, VFW, Ladies Auxiliary, etc. Or, take the big jump and run for the Borough Council or School Board.
In fact, we absolutely, positively, and without a doubt need our young men and women taking leadership positions in our community. They have stayed abreast of all the technological changes taking place and the different ways of doing things. Their knowledge, skills, abilities and ideas are needed badly in this community if we are to survive and thrive.
Can someone out there form a committee dedicated to economic development here in Austin? How about someone organizing a group dedicated to making Main Street more attractive. Or, maybe promoting cash mob days to support our local businesses? I'm sure you've heard before that no question or idea is stupid. Well, it's true.
