Margot Releases 3-Point Economic Recovery Plan

Worcester – Thursday September 2, 2010 Dr. Margot Barnet and her opponents address questions from notable local personalities and share visions for District 13 with the community.  During the standing room only debate at The Willows, Barnet said “We need jobs, but just saying so is not enough. We need concrete, practical steps to build a recovery based on small business and good local jobs.”  She then took the opportunity to present her three point economic plan:  

“Number one: Strengthen small businesses, develop more of them, and help them grow. Some of our neighbors who run small businesses are struggling right now but want to grow. Let’s help them. I will introduce a tax credit that will alleviate the cost of expansion so that they can hire local workers and build our local economy. The state can do more to make health care affordable so small businesses can take care of their employees and still succeed. I will fight to make sure we are using all these tools to support small businesses.

Number two: Make Worcester a destination that attracts people from all over. We need a comprehensive plan. To recreate a vibrant downtown, let’s build on the great venues we already have, like the Hanover Theater. I will propose incentives to renovate downtown space for people who want to open restaurants and street-level retail business. Our historic landmarks, our parks, and our beautiful neighborhoods are all wonderful assets; let’s promote them, take care of them, and make sure people know about them. In particular, why not develop a "Worcester Historic Trail" highlighting historic landmarks we can be enormously proud of! Worcester is the birthplace of the American Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and was the site of the first Women's Right's convention. Let's let the world know about this and bring people here to celebrate it! I will work with the City of Worcester to develop a comprehensive plan to promote the city as a destination.

Number three: Develop the economy of the future based on clean technology, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. Massachusetts is already a leader, setting the stage for this new economy. I will be a leader in taking it to the next level. Making Worcester a hub of clean technology research and development opens the door to thousands of jobs: highly skilled, well-paying jobs that will stay here. Right now, State Senator Jamie Eldridge is drafting a bill to put together the nuts and bolts of a Clean Technology economy and I will be its champion in the House. Here’s another way we will create green jobs: weatherizing and installing solar panels on the buildings we have right here. The Legislature has created programs to help homeowners do this affordably. This has the potential to generate thousands of jobs, jobs that pay enough to support a family. I will make sure we are taking advantage of these programs, and similar ones for schools and local business establishments. This will save money, create local jobs, and make us leaders leaders in renewable energy. Worcester is already exemplary as a Green Community and with these new opportunitieswe can do even better. ”

Barnet is running in the September 14 Democratic Primary to face Republican Paul Franco and Independent Ronald Madnick in the November 2 election.