Compare and Contrast - Marrow and Landes #2 Jobs and the Economy

With job losses and unemployment in major parts of the district ranging from 7%-11%, Greg Marrow has been campaigning heavily on job creation opportunities, particularly jobs in the rapidly growing, multi-billion dollar "green collar" industry. Many other states are already benefitting from this boom and District 25 is a perfect location for these jobs. Marrow issued a press release stating that if elected he would introduce legislation to attract these companies to Virginia.  
To date Steve Landes, who has, on at least two occasions, opposed job creation in the district, has" mentioned" job creation but refuses to offer any plans or ideas.

Since 1996, when Steve Landes was first elected, unemployment in the district has doubled and manufacturing jobs in Waynesboro alone, has seen a net loss of 51%! 
If elected, Marrow’s main emphasis of service in the House of Delegates will be to reverse this trend and increase the quality of life of our residents through job creation.

Landes has frequently claimed that he is a "businessman." Yet he never explains his "businessman" history. When one looks at his resume, you see that for most of his adult life he has just been an aide to other politicians, where is the business experience?. The only business project that he has been associated with is the non-profit NewBiz venture. While the executive director of this project, he oversaw the spending of almost a million dollars of taxpayer money. The result? He was forced to resign and the project went under, all at taxpayer expense.  
Dr. Greg Marrow has a history of proven leadership and business success from education, to the military to his optometric practice, and has been recognized for such leadership.

Landes has twice voted to reduce funding for small business incubator programs. Ironic since he claims to be a supporter of small business.  
As a small business owner, and one who realizes that 95% of all businesses in America are "small businesses," Marrow promises support for such an important program to Virginian entrepreneurship.

Landes voted to cut significant funds from the VA economic Development Partnership dedicated to attracting a major non-profit research entity to VA. (HB 1650 2/8/07) Ironic considering that this program was instrumental in bringing SRI to Harrisonburg. (A project championed by then Gov. Warner, but most recently claimed by Steve Landes).  
In the interest of developing a strong economy and creating jobs for Virginians, Marrow will support funding such an important program.

Landes voted to cut significant funds from the VA economic Development Partnership dedicated to market distressed areas of the Commonwealth.  
“Considering the fact that our district has had unemployment rates well above the national average, I consider my district a "distressed area." I would not have voted against the economic interests of the very people that I'm supposed to represent.” Dr. Greg Marrow

Landes recently voted against a new Clean Energy Manufacturing Incentive Program (HB1600 2/12/09).  
 “Considering the unemployment rates in our district, and the billions of dollars already invested and dedicated to this job sector, I would have voted for this bill. This bill would have encouraged job creating clean energy manufacturers to move to Virginia.” Dr. Greg Marrow

Who Does Steve Landes Really Work For?
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