Al Smith Editorial on High Speed Rail and Job Creation

Please click on the above link for the Fresno Bee editorial.

The high speed rail and job creation discussion has been focused on construction and maintenance jobs with some recognition of travel and tourism job creation.  These are very important jobs, especially in the short-term; however, the major potential for job creation is long term and is greatest for the high speed rail line center, Fresno.  As compared to the immediate construction and maintenance jobs, the locational advantage will take time to develop, realize, and appreciate.

If high speed rail comes to fruition, Fresno becomes almost an equal 1.5 hour commute (where people can work or study on the the train) to Los Angeles and San Francisco for knowledge workers.  Service business will recognize that a Fresno office could efficiently serve three major markets, including Sacramento.

As an example, consider an accounting firm.  With a Fresno based auditing staff, this team could work in LA several days one week and San Francisco or Sacramento the next week while maintaining permanent offices and homes, at relatively low costs, in family friendly Central Valley.  Many California service business exploiting this opportunity will become more efficient and competitive and California workers improve their quality of life options.

We have so many problems, issues, and opportunities that deserve our attention.  High speed rail will create tremendous financial, environmental, and political challenges.  As issues and problems arise, I hope that all constituents will remember what is at stake, especially in terms of long-term job creation potential in Fresno.  No location has more to gain than the center.