The Northwest's Quality of Life
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2/13/2012
The states of western Washington and Oregon are generally better than other regions of the country. However, the cost of living is higher. While there are employment opportunities in the high tech industry, good paying jobs for older workers are hard to find. Heading south to a warmer climate for half the year is appealing for those who can afford it. Auto traffic congestion can be a real inconvenience also. In time, it is hoped that the Seattle/Tacoma Area will achieve its plans for a more integrated rail system. Portland's light rail sytem is great in comparison to most cities around the country. Unfortunately,there is no long-term vision among government planners and officials. Efforts to get the public and private sectors to partner up in and build smart communities outside of Seattle and Portland have failed. And any thought of developing a West Coast High Speed Rail Corridor between Vancouver, BC and Eugene, with a future link to California is a waste of time. The conclusion of a Eugene Streetcar feasibility study concluded that the City has no vision or leadership, and that a broader economic strategy was needed to revitalize the community's business district. Like most towns, there's a barrier in getting around the good-old-boys, as well as corruption.
David | ,