Research Project

[Amanda Zehring]

I have stumbled upon this site while doing my research project for my BIS degree at Miami University. There is some very generic information posted on the Internet regarding the Rust Belt issues and what is being done to correct them. Our class has been assigned a three part project. The first part included being able to define "What is rust?" and "Where can we find it in our community?" The second issue being addressed is "What is being done to address rust?" and we are waiting for the third topic to be assigned. I would be very appreciative of any information that could be thrown my way. At some point in this class we have to interview an "expert" in this field, and I am not sure where to begin.

When our class was assigned groups to do visual presentations on the first discussion point in class, the photographs and images presented were numerous, and very disturbing. If anyone has any advice please email me at [e-mail].
Thanks!

[Jim Russell]

Amanda,

You came to the right place. I consider myself to be a Rust Belt expert, primarily in the field of migration (brain drain and the like). If you can get him to agree to an interview, Richard Longworth is definitely an expert who has interviewed people all over the Rust Belt (he calls it the "Midwest"). Dick's personal website includes contact information:

[e-mail]

If you can't get Dick to do an interview, I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have or suggest other experts you might contact.

- Jim Russell
jimrussell [at] globalburgh [dot] com

[Mark Rauterkus]

Have the photos posted to the internet. Then send us a pointer to that site with the photos. Then we can talk about them more.

IMHO:
Rust comes from something that is old and neglected of care. Often, rust develops on idle objects.

To combat rust, use it, re-paint it, care for it -- else recycle it through a good way of disposal. So, rust is a growth of poor re-use and poor recycling efforts as few things last forever.

Rust is often found in places where people have moved away from. Hence, the outward migration component.

Rust must follow prior investments as rust doesn't grow on trees.

As a land-value tax advocate, I'd say rust is often found in places where taxes are decreased as the value of the building decreases. So, if a building rusts and taxes are lowered then the taxing policy rewards rust. (Simplistic alert!)

[Justin Kownacki]

Rust is also a negative reminder of what something USED to be, when it was perceived as "good" or "useful." Rust isn't something that people want clinging to their prized possessions. Rust reminds us all that we should have taken better care of something, and now it's time to replace it.

Thus, in the Rust Belt, we're becoming aware that our "glory days" may be behind us, but that's just one version of "glory." Who's to say what's ahead of us? Rather than sending to region to the scrap yard, we should roll up our sleeves and clean up the area -- and its own mindset -- so that it can be reclaimed as an area of shiny new opportunity BUT one with a healthy respect for what's come before.