4/27/2006 9:14:00 AM Perpsective: In search of sustainable economic development
By Dave Thielk
Times indeed have changed here in Port Townsend. As corporate dollars (in the form of mutual funds and investments) fuel our local economy, the short-sighted economic paradigm of "the tyranny of the small decision" is slowly but steadily marginalizing or forcing out blue collar, fixed income working people. I suppose some folks may see this as progress. I do not.
My property taxes for 2005 were $2,389.48. In 2006, I will pay $3,464.10. I work in Silverdale because of the dearth of jobs available here that will support me financially and professionally. Further, at 52, I am beginning to plan retirement. I have just realized that I will have to continue to work as long as I own property in Port Townsend simply to pay for upkeep and taxes. Alas, I anticipate no significant increases in salary ever without a dramatic shift in the public's willingness to pay more taxes for teacher's salaries. And my gut tells me that the recent increases in cost of living are just the beginning.
When I look around, I see all of the obvious indications of new wealth in our community. Expensive cars, large new homes and carbon fiber bicycle frames. I see a restored city hall, a planned maritime center, weekly weekend festivals, outdoor concerts, and entertainment that continue to serve the leisure community and tourists. In a recent Men's Journal article about Port Townsend, a new resident was quoted to the effect of "Where else are you going to find a community filled with adults who just want to play?" Of course, this reputation will further attract others that want this self-indulgent lifestyle – and repel working people with families.
At the same time that I see all this wealth, I see a declining quality of life – at least how I define it. Our public schools are in dreadful shape. There is little avenue for spontaneous recreation with my two sons on a Friday night in town. We have lost the bowling alley and skating rink. I am thankful for the skateboard park, but completion was a long process fraught with much resistance. Healthcare professionals are leaving the community. The mass transit system is woefully inadequate. There is non-stop traffic throughout town. While the recreation center has improved its services for youths, the gym and swimming pool are shabby. Crime and drug use is on the rise.
The Men's Journal may find Port Townsend appealing, however, I wonder what The College Board or the editors of WorldWatch or Scouting Magazine would have to say about our community.
Of course, families who have money will be able to afford the basics and the extras that the community and the school district won't provide. For those who don’t, however, increased marginalization will continue to bring higher crime rates, drug use, and other quality of life issues that affect all of us.
Still, there are a significant number of working people here. There is hope, although, like global warming, the political tide must be turned immediately. I propose that we create a regional political party – The New Working People's Party. At its core would be a liberal social and environmental platform incorporating the true meaning of sustainability and diversity. The party priorities would place the children of our own community above the children of tourists, and support sustainable economic development for families that was not overly dependent on tourism or construction.
Actually, it wouldn't be hard to find a party platform. All we would need to do is look at the Port Townsend Comprehensive Plan. Who’s in?
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