Sarasota’s Economic Development — Playing Poker with Taxpayers Dollars

I just read a fascinating article in the September issue of BIZ941 Magazine. The piece is by Johannes Werner — titled Incentive Poker: Sarasota’s aggressive game of creating jobs is hurting neighboring counties.

Here’s an outtake:

It seems we’ve swung from one extreme to the other — from bullying a small manufacturer to shower it with tax rebates and cash. (more…)

Getting in bed with the wrong guys — Sarasota’s vote on the Economic Development Ad Valorem Exemption makes me wonder

I voted no on Tuesday — against giving our local government leaders the right and power to decide whether some new or growing businesses will be eligible for property tax exemptions for as long as the next decade. Proponents of the Economic Development Ad Valorem Exemptions call these tax breaks “incentives.” I just call them kick-backs. (more…)

My Vote is No on Economic Development Property Tax Exemptions

I’m voting no tomorrow, August 24 — against giving our local government leaders the right and power to decide which businesses will be eligible for property tax exemptions for as long as the next decade. They’re calling the tax exemptions “incentives” to attract businesses, ostensibly to create jobs.

I’ve never believed in paying somebody off, bribing somebody, or giving something to someone to encourage them to do business with me personally, and I don’t believe in doing it as a city or as a county. Really, bottom line, if it wouldn’t be okay behavior for you personally, or for yourself professionally, then why is this kind of behavior okay when a government does it? (more…)