Economic Development

Perth needs thriving local businesses to provide employment for our residents and the services we depend on. Much of Perth's charm comes from the many unique independent, locally owned businesses that operate here. Larger operations like 3M, Central Wire and Albany provide essential jobs and support the community through property taxes.

What can we do?

• I was shocked to realize there is no economic development committee in Perth. I will propose the creation of such a committee to help town council and staff collaborate more closely with business and seek out new opportunities for economic development. One particular area of interest to me are the empty industrial buildings. How can these be repurposed for productive uses? Could the old soap factory become an indoor "farm"? We need creative thinkers to help keep the economic base of our community thriving.

• We have a temporary business development and retention program which should become a permanent component of the town's operations.

• We can promote using our wonderful local businesses over buying online or shopping elsewhere. During the holiday's I'll launch a buy local challenge and share my positive experiences with shopping locally to encourage others to do the same.

• I will support efforts to improve the efficiency of costs of permitting identified by the Chamber of Commerce.