- Economic Development Opportunity
- Here in the town that I live in we do not have an economic development director. It has caused division amongst some of the members of council, and created concern amongst some of the citizens as well. But, not me.
- The following is my account why that position in this town is over rated to say the least. First, one must consider why Sierra Vista was established and has existed in one way shape or form since after the American Civil War. Secondly, once the first point is established and accepted as fact, lets examine the neighborhoods, and when the houses in each neighborhood were built. Last but most importantly, the question why, when taken into historical context has this sleepy little town been able to exist as a city with no major private industry?
- Why is Sierra Vista here? Is it because of the beautiful mountain views? Is it because of the climate? Is it because people like driving over a hour to get to Tucson?
- Sierra Vista exists due to Fort Huachuca. Fort Huachuca was used to fight and conquer the Native American Indian population. Ever heard of “Black” Jack Pershing? Ever wondered why his nickname was “Black”? How about this little fact. He lead Black Soldiers. The Army sent Black Soldiers after the Civil War out into the desert to pursue the extermination or relocation of the Native American Indians. Pershing lead these men in the pursuit of the Natives and the Mexican invader Pancho Villa all in defense of Liberty. After that the Army used its position at the base of the Huachuca Mountains (Thunder Mountain in Apache, I think) to be able to see for miles and only have to defend avenues of approach of its choosing. Keeping the mining interests of the area “Safe” and due to location effectively defend by projecting force along the international border as well. As with most military towns, a support network of services filled the area, entrepreneurs’ trying to turn a dollar to increase their wealth and therefore personal value.
- Neighborhood construction can be tied directly to the conflicts that this nation has been involved with since the end of WWII. The homes closest to the FT were built in order to provide residences for those who were either stationed or worked on FT Huachuca. These home were built in two locations, one area known as Buena (area near Buena High School) and the other closer to FT Huachuca. As with most things in life we are not usually the first to do it. In this case the land surrounding the Fort was owned by one family. In 1959 after a few tries the two separate locations were unified under the banner of Sierra Vista, with the exceptions of some parts close to the FT and in the Buena who rejected becoming part of the city. They remain county onclaves until this day, though the city is slowly annexing them one block or one neighborhood at a time. Initial sustained economic growth of this area was because of the Military Industrial Complex, or national conflict. Korean War homes are close to the Fort and in the old Buena town site area. Vietnam era homes like mine were built during and after that war. Then there was a pause. I first visited the area in the early 1990‘s. The housing market was great in comparison to where I was living in Southern California. Homes were affordable, had to be, the only folks living here were either directly or indirectly tied to the success or failure of the Fort. Service to others is not a rich man’s game after all. No sustained conflict meant no sustained growth. Until Sep. 11, 2001, then the economic and housing boom began. Until it crashed about a decade later.
- The major industry here is conflict. No conflict, no growth. Odd, how there is a huge development ready to go today with no one buying. No one is buying because they understand they are speculating. Speculating on war, speculating on the economy, and most importantly speculating on water rights. Water rights are big in the desert and the city is knee deep in a 30 year old law suit with numerous other individuals, groups, Nations, and various government agencies across the multiple layers of the governmental spectrum. Water is required for life, without water especially in a desert there is no life, nor the associated right to it.
- Did I mention that the city’s goal (8-2) is to purchase a water company? Wow, and folks have an extremely difficult time understanding why I do not trust government.
- If you need a cushy job, I would apply for the economic development position in Sierra Vista. It’s ok to fail at it, since we are not involved in a major conflict, its kind of set up for failure to begin with anyway.
It’s 80 degrees in February, I need some water, from the water company…
There endith the rant……………..