I am glad Grand Junction Economic Partnership Chairman John Hopkins, who is also a Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce board member, agrees with my insight that Grand Junction area economy, despite petrodollars infusions, is subject to the whip lashes and tempests of Colorado state, national and international influences and must “spread its eggs into more baskets” (diversify by using “negative correlation”) (Diverse economy still needed, Economic Partnership say”, Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, September 4).

However, using the present $23 million in new investments to create 275 new jobs is poor economic development application.

By dividing 275 new jobs into $23 million new capital investments, it is about $84,000 to create one new job. How much do the average newly created jobs pay in yearly wages? How many of the 275 people earn more than $20,000 a year? How many earn more than $50,000 a year? How many earn less than $15,000 a year?

My last question to Mr. Hopkins: Do you understand why you gain much by sitting at the same table with me to help the local economy to really grow, instead of hustling “a losing nickel-and-dime, high-cost job-creation operation”?

I think like a merchant banker and a finance capitalist of the first order. David Rockefeller would envy me even on my off-days.

EMZY VEAZY III
Aspen

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