As communities continue to endure the effects of a slumping national economy, it is imperative we utilize this opportunity to reassess the systems and programs of government. These times require us being innovative in our approach to transform government to be smarter and more efficient. Shifting the way we operate now will leave us in a much stronger position as we emerge from this financial crisis. Baltimore, as well as the nation, has needed a leader committed to changing Washington for the better. This has been promised to the American people by President-Elect Obama.
In meeting with his transition team, I had an opportunity to talk about green technology as the next great innovation for cities in the coming decades. As we build new schools, buy new cars and develop communities with environmentally friendly technology, we will create new, more sustainable cities for our children to live in. These cities will be cleaner, greener and healthier places to work, live and play.
At the same time, as we build more sustainable cities, a new market for innovative green technology will blossom. This new marketplace will create millions of new jobs for the coming generation. With a historically high demand for efficient and clean products, industrial cities like Baltimore can once again be the home for industrious entrepreneurs and thriving businesses.
Again, it is critical for us to seize the moment and find ways to possibly take advantage of this economic downturn. Barack Obama offers all of us the hope we need to deal with the challenges ahead for our country. By committing to the development of green technology, I believe that we can make today’s world better and the world of tomorrow great.