Konop to propose Job Corps Resolution…
This in via email from the office of Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop:
Konop Urges Colleagues to Vote Yes on Creating Jobs in Lucas County Lucas County Jobs Corps to put people to work at non-profits serving community
Toledo (OH) — Responding to the urgent need for jobs in our community as well as the shortage of workers at non- profits serving Lucas County, Commissioner Ben Konop will today propose a resolution creating Lucas County Jobs Corps. The resolution will be voted on at today’s 9:30 A.M Commissioner’s hearing at One Government Center.
Konop’s proposal would create 40, six-month jobs for Lucas County residents at non-profit family and community centers. The jobs would be filled by The Source in conjunction with the United Way which would provide the job postings from its affiliated agencies.
“Working families are hurting in Lucas County. With rising gas prices, increasing food prices, and a foreclosure crisis, Lucas County residents need more jobs and non-profits need more workers,” stated Konop. “Lucas County Jobs Corps is a win/win for those looking for a job and for social service affiliated agencies serving children, working families and the elderly,” stated Konop
The jobs program will be funded by the proceeds from the sale of county owned property at Westwinds several months ago. Konop initially propped that these funds be invested in a partnership with the University of Toledo to expand its high tech incubator and help create 100-200 jobs. That proposal was voted down 2-1 by Commissioners Gerken and Skeldon Wozniak.
At that time, Commissioner Gerken stated that the money be used to address immediate needs in the community (See Toledo Blade, 3/19). He also recently stated “we must do everything we can to . . . put our residents back to work.” (See Gerken Press Release, 4/15) Likewise, Commissioner Skeldon Wozniak has repeatedly called for the need to strengthen social service agencies (See, e.g., 2008 Skeldon Wozniak State of the County Address). Skeldon Wozniak has also repeatedly highlighted the need for jobs in our community, recently stating there is a “critical need” for jobs in Lucas County (See Blade, June 6th).
“My colleagues have talked the talk for years about the need to create jobs and strengthen non-profits in our community. Now is the time to walk the walk,” concluded Konop.
WHAT: Vote on Konop Resolution to Create Lucas County Jobs Corps
WHEN: Tuesday, June 17 at 9:30am
WHERE: Commissioners’ Chambers One Government Center
why is konop creating low paying non union jobs? is he trying to hurt local union workers
June 17th, 2008 at 8:34 amI would like to know who taught Ben Konop his finance managment. The county is looking at a cost increase of $20 million on the arena, and the first time Com. Konop gets his hands on a few dollars, he wants to spend it on a half-baked program that is no better than a band aid.
This is taxpayer money held in public trust, and in a time of financial instability should be held on to.
June 17th, 2008 at 8:39 amSo a living wage is a must when filthy corporate giants like Costco want to bring their business and jobs here, but Ben can waltz right around that stupid mandate when he wants to pump up his resume?
Oh, and these temps will also now be eligible for unemployment when they get tossed out of their jobs, another nice perk.
I’d rather he donate that “extra” county cash to the Regional Growth Partnership. They are working hard to create permanent jobs here.
June 17th, 2008 at 10:21 amThe unemployment compensation aspect is one that I also wondered about – When I went to the ODJFS website to see if there was a specific regulation concerning temporary employment, it could exist but is not listed there. All it states in reference to eligibility is:
What is covered employment?
Under Ohio law, most employers are required to pay contributions for unemployment insurance. Work for such an employer is “covered” employment. Work for a nonprofit or government agency is “covered” employment, even though the employer does not pay regular contributions, but instead reimburses the cost of unemployment benefits paid to its former workers.
June 17th, 2008 at 10:37 am