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Friday, October 10, 2003
Long journey to competitiveness
When it comes to changing the state's business climate, political leaders in Washington better take the long view.
A lot needs improving. And it will take time to make the state more attractive to businesses.
Gov. Gary Locke reconvened the Washington Competitiveness Council this week with a request for recommendations before the Legislature meets in January. One council co-chairman, Boeing executive Alan Mulally, told the Seattle Rotary on Wednesday that the state's climate for business remains poor. That's despite progress since the council's 2001 report that outlined improvements the state needed to make.
"We have got a lot of work to do," Mulally said. Washington ranks among the worst states, he said, in "every measure, whether it is permitting or taxes, or higher education, K through 12, unemployment insurance, workers' comp."
None of those can be fixed instantly. As Locke noted, higher education is critical to the state's economy. But it has been neglected since the early '90s, and a construction program approved by the 2003 Legislature is only the start of needed upgrades. Improving the business climate must also be balanced with social, environmental and public safety goals.
Mulally referred to a "journey" toward competitiveness. We aren't there yet, not even close.
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