Health Care Reform "Crafting or Identity"

Recently we sent out two questions in our weekly chamber emails regarding health care reform. One member replied in the comment box "if it's too complex for the experts how can we weigh in on this issue?" My immediate reaction was to wonder how many of us including myself, sit by the sidelines and merely read about important issues without digging deeper?

This week we learned of the loss of Senator Edward Kennedy. With the passing of Kennedy, we've lost that rare person who could maneuver through controversial issues and build consensus to pass legislation and get things done. As I follow the attempts to overhaul our health care system by our government, I see the common goals that are shared by all slipping away as it gets a bit uglier little by little.

Searching my news sources for new information regarding health care, I came upon an interesting article written recently in the WSJ referencing Harry S. Truman. As I moved through my day, I thought more and more about the passing of Kennedy in the midst of the health care reform. I thought I'd share the following two quotes by President Trueman.

"A president is either constantly on top of events or, if he hesitates, events will soon be on top of him. I never felt that I could let up for a moment."

"Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything."

Oddly enough, we see those that want reform reaching out to broad coalitions and special interest groups, while the right puts a kibosh on reform in the name of "the people." The insurance industry, deftly maneuvering behinds the scene in Washington and continues to gain ground. What seemed like a fairly easy win win for "the people" has turned into a bit of an identity issue.

I have to take a deep breath at this point. It's been fifteen years since President Bill Clinton's health-reform initiative was laid to rest. I'm doing my best to keep up with the battle to overhaul our health care system but I have to ask myself at this point, "do we still share the same goals and principles and if so who is going to get us there?"

We need responsible reform and now is the time to press on keeping the bigger picture in mind. I want this for my family and my community. Without tipping my hat either way; with respect for Senator Ted Kennedy, that is what he would have wished.

Becky Hajost

"Heads in beds" downtown Columbus

Recently I inserted a question in our weekly email referring to an article written in the August issue of C.E.O magazine about the lack of hotel space in downtown Columbus. Having a strong interest in the progress and continued growth in Franklin County, this article sparked some additional thought.


In the article Mayor Coleman shared that in 2008 Columbus lost the opportunity to host the Republican National Convention due to the lack of hotel rooms available in walking distance to the Convention Center. Columbus, Franklin County, the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority (FCCFA) and Experience Columbus announced plans to build a publicly financed, $160 million, 500-room hotel adjacent to the convention center. “


Having lived in several other cities, I agree that in order to stay competitive in the convention business we must have a additional hotel rooms near the convention center ideally within a one mile radius. The OFA (formerly the Ohio Florists Association), which holds its convention in Columbus each year brings 10,000 people to Columbus every July. "The number one complaint is that they are staying all over the place, not just around the convention center. And what hurts out customers, hurts us," says the association's interim DEO, Jim Broderick. Competition is steep. Larger national and regional conventions will continue to pass up by. A proactive approach to adding "heads in beds" here in downtown Columbus makes good sense. Revenue from the city's "bed tax" of 10 % paid by guests at the new hotel makes for great revenue.

After years of offering developers tax abatement's and other incentives with no takers, it was clear another alternative had to be found. Currently 90% of the of the business that turns our community down and states the number one reason for not coming here is due to our hotel mix or package. To further cement the need for additional beds, a consultant confirmed late in 2006 the need for more rooms near the Convention Center.

It seems like the perfect storm.

"With the financial gap being so large, it's difficult to put that kind of financing structure together," says Bill Jennison, executive director of the FCCFA. We all know consultants don't pay for hotels or build them, nor do real estate investors. "The only way to bridge the gap was go through public financing route," said Jennison.

Economic development is very complex process and results are often not seen immediately but often years down the road. Our city and county officials as well as the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority & Experience Columbus are confident this is the best plan for the current sustainability and the future growth of Columbus. We as public tax payers now have some skin in the game.

This is a unique opportunity and a good time to be involved in decisions that affect our city. If you need additional information please feel free to contact us here at the Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Commerce 614-481-5710 or Experience Columbus @ ww.experiencecolumbus.com.

Becky Hajost