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Quick comments that time didn't allow on program:

The comment in the Willamette Weekly blog referring to only the 'dregs' working locally in the Google data center in The Dalles was condecending and false.  There are some very well educated local people working there along with management personel that relocated here from other locations.  They have hired everything from home schooled self taught locals to recent computer science graduates from Oregon Universities.

There is only one small bus running between Troutdale and The Dalles for employees.  With over 200 employees it represents a small percentage of the workforce.

30 living wage jobs is very significant to a rural community.  I'm sure the unemployed in Portland would like to have news that 30 new jobs would be available there soon.

Northwest power is all cheap compared to the east coast and most of the midwest without having to subsidize it.  Locals worry most about having a job because without it, they can't afford power at any price.

There is no tax shift.  Property taxes are still paid on the land, use fees are paid on services, system development charges are collected for infrastructure improvements and the employees still pay taxes on their income and any property they own. 

Non of this would be an issue if Oregon was still making use of renewable natural resources to support the economy.  Unfortunately we have determined that the use of our most renewable natural resources is not politically correct.  When the Governor declares that water is not a renewable resource rural Oregon is left with few choices.  Junk science and irrational emotionalism has left us with no choices but 'information technology' as a source of employment. 

posted 3 years, 3 months ago
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