For immediate release
Dec. 20, 2011
Contact
Noelle MacKay, Commissioner
Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development
802-828-5216
Noelle.MacKay@state.vt.us
MONTPELIER – The Agency of Commerce and Community Development today announced that Joe Bookchin has been named the new director of the Office of the Creative Economy.
The OCE was created this year by Gov. Peter Shumlin and the Vermont Legislature in recognition of this growing sector of the Vermont economy. Creative enterprises — from web designers and software game programmers to architecture, e-commerce, graphic design, publishing and film and new media companies, among others — provide high-paying, skilled jobs that are critical to the state’s economic future.
“Governor Shumlin and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development recognize that creative energy and entrepreneurial spirit are in abundant supply in Vermont,” said Lawrence Miller, Vermont’s secretary of Commerce and Community Development. “This area has the potential to be a powerhouse for economic growth. We are delighted that Joe will be heading up this important new office.”
The office will work with local businesses and other partners to identify specific regional needs and prioritize initiatives for future economic growth. In addition, it will cultivate public-private partnerships among businesses and cultural organizations and assist business start-ups with networking opportunities. The office will also help creative companies by identifying sources of loan capital and broadband availability, and advise educational institutions as well as workforce training and development organizations.
“A top priority of the office is to spur the growth of this important and growing sector of the Vermont economy,” said Noelle MacKay, Commissioner of Economic, Housing and Community Development. “Joe will be a valuable asset in helping to grow this sector while also continuing the work of the Vermont Film Commission, now part of the OCE, by working with local and out-of-state production companies to enhance film and new media opportunities in the state.”
Bookchin is a graduate of the New York University Tisch School for the Arts film program, and spent 12 years as director of the Film Production Program at Burlington College, before becoming Director of the Vermont Film Commission four years ago. He lives in Burlington.
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So let me get this straight: We need a government office, a new one, when we have unfunded liabilities in the tens of millions and Irene cleanup costs staring us in the face, a new office that will “cultivate” public-private partnerships? I don’t even need to ask how this office would faciliate those things, I only need to ask “Why?” Why is the state of Vermont spending money on what looks like an incubator office for subsidizing economic activity that, if the press release is accurate, is already “in abundant supply” in Vermont?
If we want community development, we need to dismantle the Rube Goldberg-ian construct that is educational funding, lower the aggregate tax rate for everyone (instead of hiding its effects through transfer payments), and clear permitting hurdles so businesses can grow in Vermont. Instead, we’re getting an Office of the Creative Economy, as if the gov’t has any knowledge whatsoever on what is a) creative, or b) economic, other than seeking tax revenues.
This isn’t the state’s job when we’re that short of revenues, or if we’re swimming in coin. To tout this as some kind of jobs-booster is laughable.