How to create economic development in the 45th

People always ask me..."why are you so successful all the time".  I think it is easy to create development but only after you gain consensus among the stakeholders.  You need to get everyone on the same page and move forward.  You have to expect collective amnesia on the part of some but for the most part there is always a written record to outline the consensus.

Understanding that no idea is a bad idea.  Some ideas are just better than others, whether it be based on timing and implementation schedules or just practicality. When the plans are developed they have to be "of you" not "at you".  This is the problem with many public sector plans.  Some planner wants to be cutting edge and comes up with a model that leaves no room for input.  Many of the times the plans are good but get bogged down with questions and prejudices.

I like to get everyone together ask input and develop a plan.  I like to give choices to the community and let them pick the path and move forward.  Once the plan is agreed upon it is my job to move it forward.  There are constraints to any plan...some of the constraints are real and some artificial.  It is important not to change the plan based upon a whim or something that is not a real constraint.

Point A is your starting point and you want to get to point B and you want to do it in the straightest line possible. Less time, less commotion and less jive!

The 45th district is made up of  10 communities, each community will have their priorities concerning economic development or housing initiatives.  It will be my job to stay in constant contact with the communities and make sure that they are able to succeed.  Understanding the needs of the community and attempting to help them realize their dreams will be my calling.  Some groups want commercial development and some do not.  It would never be my intention to force something on a community but act as an expediter as they interface with the state government.

The 45th district has the continuity of interest of Route 30 and the Main Line passenger rail line.  Each community will want to customize their growth and use of the amenities. It will be important to help them realize their plans.  My job will be to run interference for the governments and the citizens as they interact with the state system.  I am very good at that.

Barry Cassidy Blog: the origin of my running for office

It was not long ago that i got a call from Josh Maxwell, the mayor of downingtown asking to meet with me.  I brought along karen and he proceeded to tell me about how he was going to run for office in the new 45th state representative district.  he asked my support and inbetween bites of some eggs and bacon i agreed to support him.  i think he is a nice young man.

when i returned home karen asked why i was not interested in running.  i told her "well baby the 40 thousand dollar cut in pay is 40 large reasons why"....she looked me in the eye and said..."i will help sweetie (she calls me sweetie all the time), don't worry about the money....we will make due...if you want to do great things....go ahead."

the first thing i always tell a community when there is talk of revitalization is "don't worry about the money, decide what you are going to do. I'll get the money"

my wife was behind me.  so i decided to do it.

karen & barry
in savannah georgia