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There is an opportunity to consolidate the North American region as a more competitive region, a more productive region that will be more competitive than other blocs that have integrated in the rest of the world.

Already we're seeing graduates of U.S. higher education going back to their home countries and contributing to societies there, where in the past they would have stayed in the U.S. and built new companies here. We have to have immigration reform that allows talented foreigners to become Americans.

America is interested in re-arranging the region as it sees fit.

I can't think of any more important issue. If we get this right, we'll not only preserve our landscape for future generations we'll be able to generate I think more investment and more job opportunities in the inland and we sure as hell need those jobs.

Also, if we take back our schools and concentrate on improving them so our children get a better education, they will be better trained to compete for a job locally.

A manufacturing resurgence is what will give local communities and small towns across America a fighting chance for survival. Many of today's American entrepreneurs come from those very places but make their wealth elsewhere. We need to change that.

The issue for me is American competitiveness, and how do we best create a climate here that allows international capital to come to these shores to create jobs.

If we wish our state's growth to continue, then our future will increasingly be with industries that require a highly skilled and technically proficient workforce.

America's competitive advantage lies in its human talent. All of us should be doing everything we can to cultivate and develop our work force.