Ohio Valley Jobs Alliance Formed
New group focused on protecting, keeping jobs
CAMERON, W.Va., May 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Local citizens have banned together to help protect jobs in the Ohio Valley. The Ohio Valley Jobs Alliance has been officially formed and has a clear mission, to be a voice for local jobs, fair and responsible taxation and a stronger Ohio Valley economy.
Members of the Ohio Valley Jobs Alliance believe that it is important to work together to create an environment where good paying jobs can be created and kept for workers in our region. Jobs in the energy, manufacturing, construction and other industries have fueled the economy of the Ohio Valley for decades. Our citizens have paid their taxes, worked hard, and contributed to our local communities for many years. The Ohio Valley Jobs Alliance believes in keeping taxes fair for all citizens and businesses so the economy can expand, not contract.
Bruce Whipkey, the President of the Ohio Valley Jobs Alliance said, "As a former coal miner, I personally know how important coal mining jobs are to our area. Just last week, we saw the announcement of thousands of layoffs for coal miners in our region. Those layoffs will have an impact on thousands of other jobs that support the coal industry, our tax base could potentially be reduced meaning less money for our schools, our roads and our water systems. We have to stand-up and fight harder to keep to our citizens employed. We hope that others will join us in speaking out to make sure local leaders know how important good paying jobs are to our families."
Whipkey continued by saying, "Our group is opposed to the deal that has been struck to build a gas power plant in Marshall County. I have seen firsthand the benefits that the natural gas industry has brought to our county, but I don't believe any single business should be given a special deal that threatens other businesses that have played by the rules and kept people employed over the years. Government should not be picking winners and losers in business – and government should not get to determine who works and who doesn't."
"Not only is the special deal unfair, but it does not make good economic sense. Our coal mines and power plants have employed thousands of our local residents for decades. Why should we be forced to give up more jobs and more taxes so that one business can get a special deal that will cost us jobs and tax revenue?" said Whipkey.
He concluded by saying, "The Ohio Valley is blessed to have both coal and natural gas reserves. These two industries can and should work together for the good of everyone in the Ohio Valley. Our organization will be promoting fair treatment with respect to these projects."
The Ohio Valley Jobs Alliance is a grassroots organization and membership is free. All interested local citizens are encouraged to join by visiting our website at www.ohiovalleyjobs.org.
SOURCE Ohio Valley Jobs Alliance
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