12-01-2011, 04:13 AM
Interesting that James should be thrown into the discussion focusing on Fred Blas and how he is doing. Makes little sense in that context. What positions they each take next year, IF THEY BOTH RUN, is a question for another day. Discussing whether Fred is better or worse than Emily and then refighting the last election does not help us move forward in our evaluations. The issue on the table now is how Fred is performing.
As to Fred, he has shown a particularly unusual tin ear to major economic issues that face Puna. This is a district with rapidly growing population that remains among the poorest, least employed and least served in the State of Hawaii. Most communities facing this set of circumstances seek incentives that would encourage businesses, services and jobs to move in. Puna with its plethora of affordable homes and lots in a state desperate for this has some reason to draw in businesses. Fred, however, has consistently voted for bills that would significantly increase the costs of those who would build homes or businesses here (i.e. impact fees). He has also been steadfast in supporting new building codes that most believe will have an impact on the cost of building. (It is noteworthy that Yagong, leader of the current majority, backed out of supporting both of these issues because of his belief that they would negatively impact particularly working class families. Fred did not take the hint from Yagong).
Fred's support for impact fees was based on a belief that this was the primary way to get needed infrastructure into Puna. Further, he spent unique geothermal funds to improve that part of the district that he lives in. The net result is that while Puna residents have historically - and continue to - contribute to infrastructure across the island these actions on his part have the affect of reducing the "payback" of those districts to now help Puna pay for its infrastructure. How this helps Puna is difficult to imagine in the big picture/long run. KEEP IN MIND that in districts with Puna's demographics, the normal solution - and one successfully used across the nation to great affect - is to create financial incentives to move jobs and services to where they are needed. What Fred did was essentially vote for strong DISINCENTIVES. Had Yagong not changed his stance Puna would have suffered.
Further one has to ask how active Fred is in discussion and proposing creative solutions at the Council level. Does he take the perspective of the District and its issues and propose changes and solutions that would help Puna - and the rest of the island? I have never heard any from him. This is not to say he is a bad fellow. He is in fact a good fellow and very well meant. The question is how this has translated to his current position. The notes above about his interaction with those who wish to talk with him - who he does not know - is telling and disturbing.
As to Fred, he has shown a particularly unusual tin ear to major economic issues that face Puna. This is a district with rapidly growing population that remains among the poorest, least employed and least served in the State of Hawaii. Most communities facing this set of circumstances seek incentives that would encourage businesses, services and jobs to move in. Puna with its plethora of affordable homes and lots in a state desperate for this has some reason to draw in businesses. Fred, however, has consistently voted for bills that would significantly increase the costs of those who would build homes or businesses here (i.e. impact fees). He has also been steadfast in supporting new building codes that most believe will have an impact on the cost of building. (It is noteworthy that Yagong, leader of the current majority, backed out of supporting both of these issues because of his belief that they would negatively impact particularly working class families. Fred did not take the hint from Yagong).
Fred's support for impact fees was based on a belief that this was the primary way to get needed infrastructure into Puna. Further, he spent unique geothermal funds to improve that part of the district that he lives in. The net result is that while Puna residents have historically - and continue to - contribute to infrastructure across the island these actions on his part have the affect of reducing the "payback" of those districts to now help Puna pay for its infrastructure. How this helps Puna is difficult to imagine in the big picture/long run. KEEP IN MIND that in districts with Puna's demographics, the normal solution - and one successfully used across the nation to great affect - is to create financial incentives to move jobs and services to where they are needed. What Fred did was essentially vote for strong DISINCENTIVES. Had Yagong not changed his stance Puna would have suffered.
Further one has to ask how active Fred is in discussion and proposing creative solutions at the Council level. Does he take the perspective of the District and its issues and propose changes and solutions that would help Puna - and the rest of the island? I have never heard any from him. This is not to say he is a bad fellow. He is in fact a good fellow and very well meant. The question is how this has translated to his current position. The notes above about his interaction with those who wish to talk with him - who he does not know - is telling and disturbing.