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Jan
28
2008

2008 US Election and the construction industry

Posted by Louis Centorcelli

Who represents the "best" candidate for the construction industry? In addition to the obvious questions regarding the economic polices of the contenders, will their stands on immigration and trade issues have an impact on the future of the industry? I think any legislative movement to curb immigration (as espoused by many of the candidates) would have a deleterious effect on the industry--eventually driving up costs and resulting in labor shortages. Any other opinions? Does anyone have some local market stories to support these conclusions?

   
Reply posted on 01 February 2008 10:53 AM
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Steve Ritchie
Reed Construction Data

I would like to hear some expert opinions—I was somewhat disappointed by the strong “anti-business” tone of last night’s Democratic debate?  How do you think the construction industry can position itself as a great source of jobs and a way out of an economic slump?

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Reply posted on 04 February 2008 09:06 AM
Louis Centorcelli

Great question with no easy answer. Certainly, the construction industry needs to stay very active with regards to lobbying efforts in Washington to remind all the candidates that the industry accounted for 9.0% of the total US GDP in 2006. So--ignore this industry at your own risk!

Another aspect is how the industry contributes to the economic success of individual families. More and more US factories are being closed and production shipped overseas--the manufacturing jobs that could guarantee a solid middle-class lifestyle in the US are disappearing. But these jobs (and wages) still exist in the construction industry--skilled labor shortages are creeping up and need to be addressed to ensure that this important part of the US economy does not falter.

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