Jobs and Economic Growth

By Dave Cortese

A summary experience and vision for an economically prosperous county.

For instance, our County plays a key role in providing regional infrastructure to support economic growth. Transportation investment can lead to more jobs and increase the number of employment centers as the Bay Area becomes more accessible to the rest of California. Examples of transportation investment include supporting the BART extension and High Speed Rail, funding highway improvements along 101, 680 and 880, and promoting local light rail.

Progress in all of these areas, especially a high speed rail route, will introduce significant construction activity into the area, and lead to more economic growth and a reduction in unemployment in Santa Clara County.

Even with growing budget gaps, and daily headlines warning of further state cuts to County programs, there are long-term solutions, and some short term fixes, if we remain committed to the innovative and resilient spirit of the Santa Clara Valley.

In the future, for example, County surplus lands will be put into the development process and it will be important that these become employment opportunity sites. The Board of Supervisors also has some impact on fees for businesses. This impact should be minimized so Silicon Valley's entrepreneurial spirit is not stifled.

Many working families grapple with the dilemma of moving out of Santa Clara County and away from friends and loved ones because of the lack of affordable housing. But, the Board of Supervisors can work closely with cities and other agencies to help make affordable housing units available. Through its share of redevelopment agency funds received from San Jose, the County also has the right to invest in affordable projects directly.

Even after seven years on the San Jose City Council, including serving as Vice-Mayor, and eight years as a school board trustee, I still believe the best preparation for balancing budgets and making payrolls comes from running a business. And, my life has really been that of a businessman, not a politician.

After working in the mortgage and banking businesses, including spending several years as a professional financial manager for a large corporation, I became the general manager of several family-owned ranching and real estate businesses that had been first established in Santa Clara County in 1917. My business experience includes selling agricultural crops, overseeing a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio, building a 300-unit apartment complex, and owning a restaurant.

I know we can work together to create jobs, cut deficits without layoffs, and spur economic growth. Our County must remain a good place to do business.