A la Q 5, and if you have time to answer, what actions do you think the fed should apply and what programs do you think the fed should fund to ease the effects of the NUMMI closure?

1) What are the biggest challenges you will face as a result of the
layoffs at NUMMI?

The largest challenge in my opinion (aside from the actual layoffs) is the effect of Nummi’s closure on surrounding businesses. These small business owners depended on the rush of folks from the factory to stay alive. For example, Matt wrote that Kirby’s bar catered to entire shifts of NUMMI workers before and after they went to work. If anybody needs help, it will be these businesses. We can’t allow them to go under as it will result in even more job loss….certainly the last thing we want.

2) What are the assets your community is trying to build on moving
forward?

The future of Fremont lies in the land at Pacific Commons. In a slowly recovering economy, we must be sure to not to make bad investments. But rather, we should go forward with projects that will create immediate jobs, and will offer immediate financial return upon completion. One such example lies in my proposal for a movie theater. That proposal has been referred to as childish in many situations but makes a lot of sense when carefully thought about. Fremont does not currently have a functioning movie theater. Parents, children, teenagers, young adults…who doesn’t watch movies? Plus, during the recission, guess where the largest economic growth in a major industry were located?….The entertainment industry. It grew a whopping 12%. ‘Nuff said.

I’m in school so I’ll answer the rest in a bit Marty!