Dozens of local hospitals are also eager to hire. David Birch, an expert on job creation in the economy, applauds Menino's motive. In the past, some training programs have taken steps backward, retraining people for industries that are being computerized or moving offshore. Boston's idea of targeting booming industries may be a smart one, but Menino is quick to point out that an economic downturn is only speculation at this point. We want to be ahead of the curve.
Some government officials sound more certain of a worsening economy.
New Yorkers are keenly sensitive to the issue of job loss. A decade ago, during the last recession, the state lost 600,000 jobs - more than any other state. Officials do not want to see that happen again. The myth regarding New York's economy is that it rises and falls with the whims of Wall Street, Mr. Kagann says. But in 1995, the state began a measured strategy of lowering taxes.