8-May-2008

ITHACA-- High gas prices are reason enough to make financial cuts or pick up a second job.

One local community is doing that, with green collar jobs. People came together in Ithaca Tuesday, to connect what needs to be done and who has the power to do it.

Local lawmakers joined students, professors, and members of the community to come up with a plan.

Cornell professor, Susan Christopherson said, “You need to build the markets, train people for the jobs, and you need finance either small business finance or low cost loans, that could be provided by the state.”

The new jobs can bring the cost of living down in an eco-friendly way. These green collar jobs will require training in energy efficiency, solar and wind power, or maintenance in those areas.

It's something anyone can get started in, and move up on the career ladder. Ray Dunnigan, and independent engineer said, “people like me as professions can be a part of the program but people who aren't professionals who need just another leg up to get back in the economy can do that."

Dunnigan hopes to design the systems that others can install. The goal is to not only have these jobs in the community, but to have good jobs. Tuesday’s meeting was not the first that involved policymakers.

A roundtable workshop is now in the works to establish the market needed for the new jobs.

Source: http://www.weny.com/News-Local.asp?ARTICLE3864=8138702