The purpose and subject of this letter is personal responsibility, actions and consequences. The government is not to blame, federal, state or local, for your individual economic success. The choices you made throughout your life has brought you to this place.
I have lived in Lewis County since 1986 and have remained here for that time with exception of overseas military service. Not much has changed economically. The median income for a family of four in 1999 was $25,000 and an average home price for three bedrooms was $125,000.
According to Lewis County, the median income for a family of four is $56,000 and the average home price for three bedrooms has risen to more than $350,000.
Using the basic debt to income ratio lenders use for mortgages, the median family in Lewis County can only afford $160,000. Has anyone seen a home for sale in Lewis County for that price? I applaud the plan from John Braun recently published in the Chronicle, but will that housing development be affordable for current residents?
I lay our economic situation at the feet of the Economic Alliance of Lewis County and the Lewis County commissioners.
These entities have not done enough since 1986 to sell the benefits of doing business in Lewis County, or enticing companies that offers jobs that pay a true family wage. For example, working full time at $25 per hour will result in an annual wage of $52,000, below the median income for a family of four. This figure does not include payroll deductions. The average non-skilled job at my employer is around $60,000, resulting in a two-week check of $1,500.
The VA mortgage on my home is $1,521 with a total loan of $252,000. My housing costs are 16% of my income. How is $25 per hour a family wage job?
My situation is different as I have three income streams from work, military retirement and VA disability. Every resident over 18 in this county could have done what I did. I earned my diploma, joined the military, served 20 years used the GI Bill and personal college loans and received my degree. As a result of these choices, my income is 2 and a half times greater than the median. I found a way to use my degree, military education and skills to earn a good living. I am not arguing college for everyone; our passions for work take each of us in a different direction. Some require post-secondary education and some do not. The trades are an example of that; my skilled co-workers earn a good living without a college degree. The requirement is finding a skill that is marketable. Build and enhance the trade programs in either high school or community college to allow residents to gain the skills and education they need to compete.
Timothy Schmidt
Napavine
