A grassroots group of Orange County residents wants to make the county an affordable place to live for those with moderate and low incomes, and an area of great job opportunity and a “living wage.” The intent of the Orange County Organizing Committee is noble, but based on this story, they see the solution as more government programs, services, rules, and regulations.
Orange County already has plenty of those.
What must happen if officials intend to provide more opportunity and prosperity to those just entering the work force and looking to better themselves and build assets for their family? Here’s a start.
First, educational choice is key. Parents must be able to choose the school that’s best suited to their child’s needs, just as our President-Elect has done for his girls. For many, the choice might be a traditional public school. The K-12 system should focus on honing curriculum with the jobs of the future. Orange County schools is making moves in that direction. Good.
I agree with the new organization that affordable housing is key to the ability to live and prosper in Orange County. Problem is, the county’s current stew of land-use regulations is helping to create the problem by limiting land and homes and, thus, increasing the price. These policies price people out of the market. In short, the county is ignoring fundamental economic realities. That must change.
The county must also oppose efforts by federal and state officials to “save the environment” by forcing energy providers to move to renewables. This will result in higher electricity costs. What’s more, if North Carolina implements a cap-and-trade program to limit CO2 emissions, as is being discussed, we will come face to face with energy rationing. The result? Again, higher costs. Since low-cost energy is critical to economic prosperity, these policies are exactly the wrong way to go.
