Former Chair of DNC; Democratic Challenger MA Governor
Focus on arts and culture for economic development
Support for the arts and culture has been a lifelong commitment for Steve and his wife Barbara, who is a theater historian and director at Tufts University and a former member of the National Council on the Arts. And it should be a priority for a
governor, because: arts and culture are a key ingredient in Massachusetts’ economic competitiveness; arts promote lifelong learning; and arts build community. They are a key ingredient in creating vital communities with engaged citizens and a sense of
civic pride. They have the potential to bring us together across cultural and socioeconomic lines, increasing understanding and communication and breaking down barriers of race, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability and income.
As governor, Steve will focus attention on the arts and culture as one of the most important economic development clusters in the state, and as one of the best tools to produce well-educated citizens and vibrant communities.
Source: Campaign web site, Grossman2002.com
Dec 7, 2001
Expand the winner’s circle in good times
Steve believes that one of the most important roles a governor can play is to find ways to expand that winner’s circle. Everyone in Massachusetts should have the chance to benefit from the good times we’ve seen over the last decade.
We all want our children to feel there is enough opportunity for them close to home to make a good life for themselves and their families.
Source: Campaign web site, Grossman2002.com
Dec 7, 2001
Dot-commonwealth needs strategy focusing on human capital
I love the sexy new name - the “dot-commonwealth.” California is no longer the hub of the silicon universe. We are first in our capacity for innovation, number of knowledge-based jobs, amount of venture capital invested, and percentage of managerial,
professional and technical jobs.
But we need more than a new name - we need a New Economy economic development strategy. [We have not] addressed in a comprehensive, compelling way the challenges this state faces to its ability to sustain economic
growth into the next century.
Our most precious resource in Massachusetts and our greatest comparative advantage is our human capital. [We need a comprehensive strategy which includes]:
A state tax credit for developers of affordable housing &
other mortgage subsidies
Addressing the skills gap by community colleges partnering with local businesses
Meaningful coalitions of government, business, labor, universities and community groups to make this vision a reality.
Source: Boston Business Journal, Op-Ed, “Economic Strategy”
Nov 12, 1999
