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TOPEKA – Jim Barnett, candidate for the 2018 Republican nomination for Kansas governor, held a Tuesday news conference to detail his plans for improving economic development and bringing jobs to Kansas as governor.
Calling the plan a “full court press” for more and better paying jobs and an adequately trained workforce, Barnett outlined a multi-pronged program designed to break the current jobs stalemate in Kansas.
“Kansas lost over 12,000 private sector jobs in the last year, and we have 60,000 jobs across the state going unfilled,” Barnett stated.
“The bottom line is we have a state with a stagnant economy, where too many jobs are leaving, and others go unfilled because workers don’t have the required skills or training. No wonder our young people don’t stay and others of all ages get discouraged.
“My plan recognizes that job growth comes from the ground up, not the top down. Yes, the state has a role, but that role needs to be tailored to the needs of individual communities and businesses. A one-size-fits-all approach just won’t work.”
Barnett said his framework for more skilled workers and better paying jobs is built on four key pillars.
“First, we need to get the basics right. State government is finally on track to get its fiscal house in order. Now we need to build on that progress in a variety of areas, including work force, infrastructure, education, health care, and overall quality of life,” he said.
“Second, we need a regional approach to economic development, one that recognizes local control and input. Southwest is different than southeast Kansas, which is different from central and northern Kansas, which is different than Johnson County. We need to recognize the assets of each region.
“Third, within each region we need to identify high performing and high potential industries and convene industry leaders to identify areas for further economic growth. I think the most important appointment I make will be the Secretary of Commerce, who along with me will put this plan into action.
“Fourth, is what I call “Enterprising Academics. What I mean by that is an education system and a business system that work in partnership to provide the knowledge and skills that our workers need to succeed and our businesses need to compete, ” Barnett said.
Barnett’s economic development news conference will be followed by the first phase of a statewide tour to discuss his jobs plan with business and community leaders.
Jim Barnett is a practicing physician in Topeka, past president of the Emporia School Board, and former state senator for Emporia and neighboring areas. In 2006, Barnett won a seven-way primary and was the Republican candidate for governor.