Economists and demographers predict Cass County will experience slowing growth in population, income and employment that will take place over the next 20 years - a stark contrast to an economy that has performed well for more than a decade.
There are two primary reasons for this forecast.
First, there are fewer people left in outlying rural communities to migrate to our metro area, creating a shortage of future workers.
Second, our local economy lacks emerging technology industries, which are forecasted to be the major growth sectors in the national and global economy.
A 12-year, half-cent sales tax would fund the Cass County Growth Plan, which is designed to develop emerging growth sectors while establishing higher wages and attracting new people to our communities. The end result is a mechanism to drive future economic growth.
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The plan doesn't simply benefit a few high-tech businesses or North Dakota State University. Instead, the sales tax gives a boost to the entire county, helping to lay the framework for our future as a player in the global economy.
As an elected Cass County commissioner, I have a responsibility to look out for the interests of our entire county.
The use of a sales tax, similar but more strategic and far-reaching than those in 12 other North Dakota communities, would provide synergy and collaboration among communities in Cass County, including private and public entities, to secure future opportunities and growth essential to a vibrant region.
This sales tax guarantees Cass County citizens have direct control over the dollars raised, insuring they will be invested locally.
As chairman of the committee that wrote the ballot resolution, I can assure Cass County residents that several steps of accountability and public input allow for an open process as we safely invest in our future.
By developing new and emerging business interests, creating higher-paying jobs and attracting more people, Cass County citizens can improve their quality of life and provide new opportunities for future generations.
Please join me June 10 in voting yes on the sales tax and implementing the growth plan.
Wagner is a second-term Cass County commissioner who is running for his third term this fall.
