Monday, November 06, 2006
For a little over a year in the early 1980s, I worked as staff counsel to the U.S. Senate Democratic Policy Committee. Senator Robert Byrd from West Virginia chaired the committee. As the staff member in charge of tax in trade legislation, I worked to formulate party positions on legislation heading to the floor.
It was an exciting time. All of these memories came back to me as I read the an article about Senator Byrd seeking re-election tomorrow. At 89, he is the longest serving senator in U.S. history. Read more.
Senator Byrd's loyalty to his home state of West Virginia is legendary. Once, with the Policy staff convened in his office off the Senate floor we were trying to plot a political and legislative strategy to cap the third year of President Reagan's initial tax cut. Senator Byrd interrupted our meeting to place calls to lobby members of House in order to protect the appropriation for a bridge in West Virginia.
At the same time, Senator Byrd's deep reference for the institution of the Senate strengthened my own understanding of the genius of our founding founders. It's a useful perspective as election day approaches tomorrow.
posted by Ed Morrison |
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Some Background on EDPro Weblog
The purpose of this weblog is to help economic development professionals -- EDPros -- keep up with the changes sweeping our profession. Strap on your goggles. It's a whole new game. There are no experts any more. The only place to learn about economic development is from other EDPros who are doing it.
One other point: the prevaling approach (paradigm, if you like) in economic development is shifting from competition to collaboration. There are a lot of reaasons underlying this shift, but here's the important insight: You, your community, and your region will do better by collaborating and sharing information.
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Speaking and workshops on Open Source Economic Development
As the idea of Open Source Economic Development starts spreading, more people are asking about it. Visit the I-Open web site to learn more. My colleagues and I are happy to explain the basic concepts in a talk or a workshop. E-mail Susan Alshuler if you'd like to learn more about workshops and speaking.
Background on Ed Morrison
Download some background information on me here.
Personal reflections on the elections
