BBC Reporter Looks at Gary Blight, Reasons For Hope
By Chuck Sudo in News on Oct 19, 2010 6:00PM
Paul Mason, economics editor for BBC's "Newsnight," takes a well-researched, thought-provoking look at the urban decay of Gary, Indiana (hint: it isn't the same town Ron Howard sang about in "The Music Man"); how Federal stimulus money was spent and if that money was worth it; how politicians are deflecting blame for Gary's current condition; and the undying hope of some of Gary's residents that one day they can change the town's fortunes.
One of the most jarring figures Mason notes in his report is the number of jobs created from the $266 million the city received in federal stimulus money: 327. At over $800,000 per job created, Mason lists this as one of many reasons the stimulus hasn't really helped Gary. There are some successes, such as the school system. Mason also points out that the stimulus money, controlled by the Republican state government, is slow in coming to 84 percent African-American, Democratic leaning Gary.
Some readers may remember the tour of Gary Kevin and former contributor Lauri Apple conducted of Gary. Here are the photos.