It's the Economy, Stupid.

By Theresa Petrey
(1 votes) (report abuse)
I read on Wikipedia, that the phrase, "It's the economy, stupid" was a campaign slogan for Bill Clinton back in 1992. For me it's a hot topic this election season. How long will the current "slow down" last? Will the economic stimulus package work? I recently heard an influential community member encouraging folks not to spend but to save the stimulus money. Most people say they will pay down their credit cards. How is the local economy faring? Is any presidential, state or local candidate really addressing the economic issues we face? What do you think?
It's the Economy Stupid bySwesy April 09, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I tend to agree economic issues are primary but maybe for different reasons.

First, this economic stimulus package is a waste. Some people will use it to pay down their debts, which is the smart use, but others will spend it on goods and services, that at best will provide a temporary boost to the economy. Our economic problems are far more long term. They clearly involve Junior Bush's "Excellent Adventure" in Iraq, our lack of a meaningful energy policy, and our becoming a debtor nation to those such as China.

Second, the Republican's war in Iraq is destroying this country economically. The cost to the American taxpayer, particularly in the future is horendous. There are not only political and military reasons we need to get out of Iraq, there are very serious economic reasons for us to get out.
Economy 511 Living in a Post Bush Economy bylordoflys April 09, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
This class will be taught by a CWU Prof who is or was NOT the Prof who published "Why Bush was the right choice" in the EDR early on after Bush was first elected. That was during the era Bush explained "Iraq WMDs pose a great risk to the United States", "The war will last less than a year and will mainly be funded through Iraqi oil revenues". Our economy is in shambles as a result of the huge war deficit and other events occurring under the present administration. For Kittitas voters to continue to embrace so-called Republican values is ludicrous. The Dino Rossi's and Doc Hastings of the world have done nothing but watch our national and local economies crumble due to a misappropriation of priorities. Americans will be the new world wetbacks, sneaking into China for financial salvation. Otherwise, things are great. 4 more years!!!!
Lets Talk Ellensburg Economy! byfreedom April 09, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I love this constant complaining about the World and what is being done wrong.. This $%^&* town we live in (Ellensburg)sends all their money to Yakima because they are too stubborn and bullheaded to let anyone develop anything in Ellensburg.. Why don't you guys jump on the band wagon or better yet on your soapbox and plead a case you can solve..If you cannot fix the local problem please dont try to solve the World problems.... You cannot even come to an agreement with the city council.. So bash Bush..The Republicans and Blame the World.. when you WON"T even fix what can be done in your own home town.. Ellensburg spends all its earned income in Yakima!!!!! Go Ellensburg!!!!Don't bitch about the economy or the stimulus when every dime of it will be spent in Yakima.. I think the saying goes Sweep your own doorstep before you try to sweep someone else's.. If every one fixed their own problem the others would go away.. Of course that's the Republican way.. where the Democrats just sit back and whine and cannot even fix little old Ellensburgs problems.. You folks should be ashamed of your lack of leadership right here in your home town.. You could fix the local economy or at least help it out if you could get the city council to agree on new development.. .. Now take the 37,000 or so people and multiply by $300 or $600 what ever the case may be and see where this economic stimulus is going to help out.. Right in down town Yakima.. Ellensburg says No Thanks..This has to be the samrest town in the state by far! We don't want or need that money and we want our tax dollars all spent in Yakima..Let them benefit.. And you think Bush is doing a bad job.. Look in the Mirror Ellensburg You are really screwed up! Go Yakima! You will get my stimulius money!!!
RE: Lets Talk Ellensburg Economy! bydjfireball April 12, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse)
freedom what do you mean all our money goes to Yakima? You must mean those college kids because i can not even remember the last time i had to go to Yakima to go shopping for anything. and the bickering in city hall thats easy to see the people with the money who really "care" about saving downtown let them bicker life goes on i shop locally and if i don't i order it from the internet. You couldn't pay me to go to shop in Yakima. Lets face it we got it good in Ellensburg still cheaper to live then Seattle. This whole market recession is tactics to scare America and to bash Bush. I work locally and business is getting busier not slowing down and hell i spend just as much if not more then i did a year ago. So what if banks are tightening standards for credit its because they ate it hard in the @@@ when peoples arms changed and people could not handle it. Has barley affected me Gas prices rising so what buy a better car or walk this is ellensburg everything is within 5 miles. Anyways Freedom think about the garbage your getting fed or think you see in the council let them bicker at each other. We should be focusing on more important issues like our school districts lack of budgeting and our high teen pregnancy and abortion rate then spending money in Yakima
home trouble is our fault bycrimedog April 11, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I've been reading a lot about home foreclosures on the rise in the U.S.

People blame the Bush Administration, others blame the war, or both. Here's the deal: Failing to make home payments is our fault. Let's take some responsibility and blame poor money management for some of these home foreclosures. Chalk it up to pride, keeping up with the Joneses, or whatever, but people need to live within their means. Did every foreclosed home owner suddenly take a cut in pay? Their income is the same, the economy is changing. Leave some wiggle room with our finances instead of stretching ourselves thin to impress our neighbors.

Granted, there are many issues involved in the home foreclosure trend like inflation, etc. I believe proper money management, which may mean swallowing our pride to settle for a smaller house, will go a long way in solving this problem. Make Money Management 101 a mandatory course at college.
Busy Because Gas Is Higher byfreedom April 13, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Your are probably right djfireball Ellensburg is probably getting busier because gas prices are up.. I use to go to Yakima weekly but now go every 2 weeks to shop because of the increase in gas prices which forces me on off weeks to weigh out the cost of what a widget costs me here plus what it would cost for gas and the widget in Yakima.. I hardly doubt the college kids go to Yakima to shop and I hardly doubt they buy their wardrobe in Ellensburg.. Not to many of these college kids settle for Fred Meyer Brand clothing.. But I have lots and lots of friends who make the weekly or bi-weekly trip to Costco because they have families and can actually save money even with gas prices by going to Costco.. and in the mean time well they are in Yakima can shop Ross, Target, Wal-Mart, and probably have lunch or dinner down there too.. Let me ask you djcrimedog..where do you go when you buy new furniture? You see you have only 3 places here in Ellensburg to buy furniture and with the income I have I am limited to only one of those 3 places.. How about you? If you need to buy a suit or a dress whatever the case may be where in Ellensburg do you shop? Suits are definitely out of the question unless you go over to Goodwill.. How about a new Bicycle for the kids.. Does Freddies have the brand you wish to buy? How about a gameboy? Its cheaper to buy in Yakima then in Ellensburg.. Maybe Internet is the way to go on Gameboys but Groceries..Bicycles, Suits ect are very hard items to buy online.. because of shipping costs and fitting a suit is next to impossible..
I guess my point is you are one of the unique people that can fill all your needs in Ellensburg.. However no matter what you wish to believe about 43% of the yearly income earned in Ellensburg goes out of this county to be spent.. and when its spent out of this county you see we do not get the sales tax benefits in Ellensburg.. Then besides earned income you have pensions and Social Security incomes and they too take their money to the places with the lower prices and better selections.. As far as the city council goes.. They were elected to do a job and they have so far failed to accomplish anything.. It goes to show that the lies they told to get the job were just that.. The newbies made promises to fix downtown AND bring in new business and they have reneged on all of it.. Just another politician hard at work.. Running the mouth instead of the job!!!
Local economy by1plumr1 April 13, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I read a lot of comments by people saying they don't go to Yakima to shop. They shop local or the internet. Isn't the internet the same as going out of town? No local benefit. We shop out of town a lot, not just Yakima, but Wenatchee, Issaqua, Tri Cities, even Portland. We do this for a number of reasons, selection, price, travel opps. Mostly because downtown has very little to offer us. I don't think I have spent more than a couple dollars downtown since Dean's closed, with the exception of Wood's and the pharmacy. It's hard to support the local economy when the offerings are so slight, even eating out. There are no upscale eateries here (not that there isn't good food) half the patrons look as though they just jumped off the tractor. So to help the tax base, promote commercial growth, add some choices and keep some of the tax dollars here.
Local Economy bypapa April 13, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I just read Sat. paper. It is no wonder people shop in Yakima, they need to with so many of them with such low income. Ellensburg Daily Record employees deserve better pay. No wonder you have a hard time with your paper and finding good people. PAY THEM A DECENT WAGE AND THEY WILL COME.
RE: Local Economy byformer CE resident April 13, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse)
I agree with papa pay decent and you wouldn't have such high turnover.
Busy Because Gas Is Higher bySwesy April 17, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
There are all kinds of responses I could make to this right-wing fanatic "freedom" but I'll limit my reponse to his or her criticism of the city council.

The current city council has been in office less than four months. Just what were they expected to accomplish in such a short time? Pray tell, just what lies did they tell and who told them? Before running your neo-fascist mouth "freedom" why don't you provide some actual facts to support your partisan rants.
City Council Accomplishments Update! byfreedom April 18, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
OK Swesy.. Two accomplishments by the new city council.. Its all over the radio this past week.. They want to make the cops issue tickets to all kids under 16 not wearing a helmet when they are on a bike or a skateboard.. I thought this was already a law.. The cops I am sure have alot better things to do.. YOUR kid is your responsibility not the city councils ..but they have become Mom and Dad for you folks who are too lazy to police your own kids.. So now they have stirred up another hornets nest.. Let me ask you..Who gets the lawsuit if your kid falls down and bumps his head from not wearing a helmet? Do we sue the city.. or the sidewalk?? or the skate park? Or maybe Mom and Dad? Good going City Council.. Get off your dead Butts and raise your own kids..Lord knows the cops have enough to do..

Accomplishment #2.. Prior to the election I had morning coffee at the Dakota cafe with a individual running for city council.. We discussed current problems with the then standing council in Ellensburg..This individual was all in favor of local and regional development and it would be good for the economy.. Wow what a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.. After the election was over and the votes counted this person went right into the 1st order of business to fix down down and passed a moratorium on any new development of regional retail..

This was an out and out LIE just to get the people at the table to vote for this individual.. I WILL NOT resort to naming names in this column..but I am sure you know as do others who the individual or should I says individuals in question might be..

So in 4 short months the city council has ONCE AGAIN stifled the growth in Ellensburg..

So Swesy there are 2 Documented Facts and Data..(Documented right here in the Daily Record and on the Local radio station..) The little items this council has accomplished in 4 short months.. Neither one for the good of the city but for their own personal good..

I love the name calling.. Neo-Fascist.RightWing...What is so wrong about wanting to shop in your own home town??? If this makes me right wing or neo fascist then I guess that's what I am..

Lets define Stupid and Foolish: Spending Money earned in Ellensburg in Yakima due to fascist leadership of the City Council:
RE: City Council Accomplishments Update! bySwesy April 21, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse)
Freedom you have to be the most ignorant and/or out of touch with reality person I have read here.
You might try getting your facts straight regarding the city council. First, the city council has done nothing about enforcing the helmet ordinance. That is the responsibility of the police department. It is the police department's initiative to enforce the ordinance that was discussed by the police chief. Second, the city council has not adopted any moritorium on development. They removed the vesting provision of the regional retail ordinance while considering possible amendments. That is not a moritorium.
One More Thing Swesy byfreedom April 18, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
To Oppose the polices of a government does not mean you are against the country or the people that the government supposedly represents..
Such opposition should be called what it really is Democracy or Democratic Dissent, or having a critical perspective about what your leaders are doing.
Either we have the right to Democratic Dissent and Criticism of these policies or we will lie down and let the leaders, The City Council in this case, do what is best, well we follow uncritically and do whatever the city council commands..
I think that is just what the Germans did with Hitler and look where it got them????
Call me right wing but I will stand up for my rights as a US Citizen!
freedom bydjfireball April 18, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Freedom is your first name Larry? Just out of curiosity
Larry? bySith April 18, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Larry Nickels? hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Could it be?
Sorry Not Larry byfreedom April 18, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Nope I am not Larry.. Are one of you two Larry?
Not Larry, either byTheresa Petrey April 18, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
But moving my capital markets post back to this thread:

As long as the capital markets are in turmoil, I don't see additional retail coming here. I'm watching with interest for that Hampton Inn and Ihop out at Triple L to begin construction. Eburg is too dependent on residential construction at the lower end, and, I believe that is manifesting itself throughout our local economy as folks hold on tight to what little cash they have. In turn, that drives people to shop out of town to make ends meet who might otherwise spend dollars here.

No matter how hard anyone wishes it to be so, retail alone will not provide living wage jobs nor substantial tax revenues without the basic realization that our economy is basically delicately balanced on the two legs of government sector jobs and the hay industry. Construction is an unstable third leg as the current facts of life demonstrate. The bottom line here is that we must bring in additional private industry that is not construction based.

I'll try to dress up a bit next time I head downtown to eat and dust the hay off hubby's jeans. Didn't know we were inadvertantly scaring people away from the eating establishments . . .
I have to disagree byfreedom April 18, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I have to disagree with you on the tax revenues Theresa.. I do think that retail here would boom.. Look around the valley.. It is just that a valley and Ellensburg is at the base.. I am afraid that when folks say the demographics won't support a large retail store that they are forgetting this is the largest town/city in Kittitas County.. The only Major Freeway going east and west runs thru Ellensburg..The next large town is Moses Lake.. The Central Washington Major Freeway running North and South ends right here..We are the gateway to Seattle..and also the 1st major city when you come from Seattle.. This city is a hub.. but it has very few spokes.. We need business here for everyone who lives here and the millions of cars that pass by on a daily business. And don't forget these big business folks would help out immensely with the property tax needed to run this area..

Now as far as the jeans and hay.. I would GLADLY sit next to you or your hubby in any eating establishment in this town or country for that matter.. .. Again they try to slam the working class.. Lets see Theresa hummm isn't that steak they are chowing down on probably fed on hay off the area farms/ranches..Or did they feed it dog food from the grocery store.. Gosh how long has it been since these folks knew where there food came from.. One has to wonder????

Glad you re-posted...
RE: I have to disagree bydjfireball April 18, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse)
Retail stores would be good, it might also attract those high paying jobs we need. And to respond to freedom fred Meyers sells kids bikes, but regardless, some more big businesses would be good, for our community and for growth maybe even get some good decent paying jobs around here. But too much growth would ruin this great town, i hate to see Ellensburg turn into a bellevue or federal way. Freedom the only reason i asked if you were larry is because he has Freedom on all of his buildings downtown. Bring in costco, great idea and great place to get a job too. They should expand down by Jims place Roadhouse were the new ramp is going to be built. oh well we shall see what the council decides
You will probably here this again a few hundred times bypeoplelivehere April 20, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
After five years of living in Ellensburg, I am still trying to figure out what the debate about "Downtown" is all about. Is there really, seriously anyone who can purchase what they need in Ellensburg at a price that is reasonable?

For those who don't shop elsewhere, you might want to try it just to see why people shop elsewhere. The prices are a lot lower. Not a little bit. A bunch.

Again, if you buy everything you need here, you wouldn't know that. The lawn tractor I priced here last summer was less than half the price in another town. I bought it there. The list goes on. Literally, everything is vastly cheaper elsewhere, and not just at stores that have gotten a bad reputation, but virtually anywhere.

It would be interesting to take a look next at the amount of space available in the "Downtown" area. Does it seem to you, as it does to me, that a goodly portion of storefronts are for sale or lease? The remaining businesses are working hard, and who can blame them, to make a living. But there just isn't much there. It's like looking at the gasping fish on the bank of the river, knowing the fish is too spent to put back. "Downtown" is DOA, and it is long past time trying to revive it from a community business model.

Without a trendy, savvy theme for visitors coupled with the venues every family in the Valley is looking for, there is no chance that enough traffic will be generated to support the old Ellensburg. The horse is dead, and it is time to dismount.

The downtown debate is over.

Let's move on to a discussion of the two pronged move toward progress that will make life better for everyone: first, planned development of a theme other than the one I hear on the radio, "Ellensburg is on the way to anywhere." In other words, by our own admission, we are Nowhere. Second, a planned large-scale retail development that draws from the upper county (before they get their head on straight), from Kittitas (before they up and pull a Union Gap), and from our own neighborhoods where families are desperate to make ends meet and find places to work.

The debate about downtown is over because it cannot be revived with out further development nearby. The debate about retail development exists only among the city council members who have chosen to ignore the polls which reflect more than 80% of the area is in favor of development. Do both groups have different agendas. Of course. If we do both kinds of work, will we have a downtown that survives? Yes.

Could it be that the answer is both sides are right and need to help each other? Concept.

(on another note, can we lose the name-calling? But in attempt to be ready, some will say I am a mamby-pamby, neo-fascist pacifist, with left/right leanings, with my head in the sand searching for the 'economy' stupid, who wants the future to be like the good old days or really, really different at least. Oh, and don't forget, I could just be a cotton-headed ninny muggins.)
Let's Talk Ellensburg Economy bySwesy April 21, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Once more, you can't get your facts straight. There are not 37,000 taxpayers in Kittitas County who are going to receive stimulus payments. Not everyone who resides in the County files a tax return, which is a prerequisite to receiving a check. Certainly, children don't ordinarily file. So they will not receive a payment. I seriously doubt that all those people who do get checks aregoing to run to Yakima to spend them. I know I won't. If you find this community so terrible perhaps you should move to Yakima, where I am sure you would be much happier.
Children Will Receive $300 Sorry Swesy byfreedom April 21, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
PLEASE go read the facts on the Stimulus package Swesy.. Any child who was claimed as a deduction on his parents income tax form this year (providing income requirements were met) WILL receive $300 It will be sent to the parents.. not the child but it will be included in their stimulus package.. Therefore a family of 2 parents and 4 children with the appropriate income and age limit will receive a check for $2400..

And I guess what you are trying to say is #1 You don't file taxes and #2 You think this whole County has very few taxpayers.. Are you saying they all work under the table or just don't work?

If you go to Google or Yahoo and type in stimulus package you can read the FACTS.. I know of one lady 93 years old that has filed a return this year because her Social Security income entitles her to the $300...

And I WILL spend mine in Yakima! If my tax money has no value here and no one wishes to keep it here or even try to keep it here then I have no problem taking our $1200 to Yakima.. And I guess you won't have a check so then it won't be a decision you have to make..
Too much talk... bymohenjo April 24, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
For someone whose done nothing on this site but rant and rave about people not doing anything to help the local economy, don't you think it's a bit hypocritical of you to openly say you're taking your stimulus money to Yakima?

If you don't set a good example, how do you expect anyone to listen? Hmm...
Its gone on for 20 years Mohenjo byfreedom April 25, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
These people around Ellensburg have been asking for shopping facilities for the past 20 years. At each turn the city fathers have found a way to shut it down. So pray tell me why we should help the local economy when they are too STUPID to help themselves year after year!

And unlike others I am glad to say it openly..I will take my stimulus money to Yakima! Every trip to Yakima I see at least a half dozen Ellensburg residents.. I even saw one member of the city council doing their shopping in Yakima.. Where do you think these discreet people are going to spend their stimulus money?

YOU go ahead and be the Good Example here in Ellensburg. Until this city sets one don't expect me to be one of their ginny pigs.. I worked to hard for my retirement dollars and will not pay double for every product I need/use.. Yakima is affordable and even with the cost of gas we still have a good meal and a pleasant drive thru the canyon and all at the same cost as a few necessities would have cost me in Ellensburg.

Sorry Mohenjo my grammar may not be good but ..I am very good at doing the math.
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