Last Wednesday, Senator Bo Watson, the 11th District, spoke at the Chattanooga Women's Council of Realtors' regular luncheon. Primarily he spoke about our "challenges and opportunities" and our time for decision. He called for citizen activism as Chattanooga becomes a leader and a conduit to the South, which he expects to be the "economic engine of the US."
He looked at the Volkswagen plant and Alstom Plant growth as "game changers" because of "who else they will attract."
The challenge we have locally is to face the facts of our current situation. And those facts are that the Southeast is underemployed and undereducated. He announced the new TCAP tests scores were not be good, with over 50% 4th graders not reading at grade level. Some of these results is attributed to increased standards, according to a WRCB TV story. Senator Watson though called for facing the facts. "We cannot accept low standards and call them passing."
He cited the two foundational areas for progress to be education and meaningful employment. The two cannot be separated.
The question he offered is "What is our passion?" What can the Chattanooga area excel in, competing on a global basis? And that point must be recognized - Chattanooga and the Southeast must now compete globally.
Apathy does not work - face the facts of our situation and decide on our passion and take advantage of our opportunity to be successful in Chattanooga.
His remarks were encouraging and motivating.
For those interested, the next planning forum that I know of is on the proposed Tennessee River Bridge in central Hamilton County. Let's go see what is going on. Thursday, August 12 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at one of the following locations: Soddy Daisy High School Ooltewah High School.
|
|
|
Richard Smith |
American Acceptance Mortgage, Inc |
FHA, VA, Rural Development, Conventional, Jumbo,
Reverse Mortgages, FHA 203k Renovation
Home financing in Tennessee and Georgia.
|
Thank you for visiting. This is the professional blog for |
|
Richard Smith Conventional, FHA, FHA 203k, HUD $100 down purchases, VA, Jumbo VA, Rural Development, Jumbo, FannieMae Homepath, Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). |
|
Stearns Lending, Inc |
|
Cell phone: 423-280-0345 Email: Richard@HomeLoansChattanooga.com |
|
Visit my website: www.RichardSmithHomeLoans.com To inquiry about a home loan Begin Here |
|
Read my most recent articles in Scotsman Guide. |
|
This blog represents the opinions of Richard Smith. The posts and comments written on the blog do not represent the opinions or positions of Stearns Lending, Inc. |
