newsobserver.com projects - Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. - Comments

Orr has a plan

Anglico — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:05:51 -0500

for tackling the issues you're writing about. It has some merit.

Re: Orr on Goodyear, Lowes

ethanperry — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 21:30:38 -0500

I think Mr. Orr is correct to be concerned about these incentives. They are a mess, for sure. Problem is, how do you stop them. I was talking about this very thing with an elder state legislator today. He feels the same, but used the Mercedes deal that happened some years ago as an example. Seems the two states being decided on were NC and Alabama. The NC powers to be finally said enough is enough, and Alabama got the plant.

Now, in retrospect, the retired legislator said it turned out Alabama later got all the "support" businesses for the plant to move into the area also, and then later got a Toyota plant as well.

So, after all these years, would NC have been better off being more aggresive to win the first automobile plant? No telling how many jobs would have been created, if that, all the support industries and the second plant come to our state?

This illustrates the problems created when states, or even municiplalities
within the state, started competing with each other using incentives. How do you deal with them now, unless you can agree to get everyone to stop. Then you go back to the benefits of a good labor force and whether or not a road or utilities will be built - as the incentive?

Look at the situation with Concord and Bruton Smith. He is the John and they are the prostitute being negotiated down to a nickle for services. How humilating can it get?

Re: Graham: Goodyear alternative 'worse'

Wuptdo — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 15:35:32 -0400

This will come back to many elected officials. They have much "explaining" to do.

Re: Hunt's role in Goodyear, Part II

wisdom4all — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 16:48:30 -0400

I don't think we should give Goodyear, Bridgestone or any other corporation our tax dollars. Goodyear has enough money to update their North Carolina plant. They are just playing our governor and general assembly for the "chumps" that they are. They have tax breaks, cheap labor and many other incentives to stay in North Carolina. We need our tax dollars for schools, roads, bridges and many other much more important things.

Re: I think I guessed about your "R"

kimkim — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 20:37:49 -0400

Thanks "A" - like yourself I just want good government. I know you call out those politicians who place their own self interests above the people - regardless of party. Continued good work to you!

I think I guessed about your "R"

Anglico — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 20:31:21 -0400

which made your comment all the more inspiring!

Glad to hear you stop by BlueNC. You know I'll be quick to jump on any shady Democrats too.

Cheers!

Re: Nice work

kimkim — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 20:19:58 -0400

Thank you Anglico. Although I'm an R I like to read Blue NC. You guys keep a good, vibrant blog that is fun and informative to read.

Nice work

Anglico — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 20:15:15 -0400

the kind of thing I like to think newspaper reporters might do more often.

Re: Smith stumps in Senate

kimkim — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 19:52:38 -0400

rtb,

Never mind - i found the following regarding Fred Smith and incentives:

Senator Fred Smith-Incentives OK For His Contributors

Running for Governor in Asheville, Fred Smith ‘took a strong stand against economic incentives like those given to Google to open a facility in Lenoir’( Asheville Citizen 2/20/07)

But Senator Smith’s opposition to incentives melted away when he voted to giveaway $126 million to RJR and $36 million for Merck ( News and Observer 12/11/03). They happen to be his campaign contributors

3/30/04R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. -Mr. Gene Ainsworth
PO Box 2959
Winston Salem, NC 27102
Other Political Committee Contribution $1000.00
8/22/2003 R.J.Reyonlds Tobacco Co. Mr. Gene Ainsworth
PO Box 2959
Winston Salem, NC 27102
Other Political Committee Contribution $1000.00 $1000.00
11/17/2003 Merck, PAC Mr. Dick Carlton
5 West Hargett Street
Suite 500
Raleigh, NC 27601
Other Political Committee Contribution $250.00 $250.00

I think the "invisible hand" Fred was talking about are his campaign contributors...

Re: Smith stumps in Senate

kimkim — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 16:34:40 -0400

RTB,

Has my memory failed me? I do believe that Sen. Smith has voted for incentives in the past. Am I wrong about this?

Re: Smith stumps in Senate

lefaim — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:49:07 -0400

Your knowledge of basic parliamentary procedure is embarrassing. Go study up on how legislative bodies work and get back to us.

Re: Smith stumps in Senate

letigre26 — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:54:59 -0400

"When Smith faces her next year she won't be able to keep him *quite*."

"Kind of funny how *Purdue*...", "*Purdue* turned me off..."

Maybe if some people could spell, we'd have a higher opinion of your entries.

Re: Smith stumps in Senate

chuckt — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:40:50 -0400

Bev Perdue must think she is a dictator. Freedom of speach is one of our basic rights except in the Senate under her dictatorship. When Smith faces her next year she won't be able to keep him quite. Keep up the good work, Sen. Smith !

Re: Smith stumps in Senate

kimkim — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 08:21:34 -0400

Has anyone checked Sen. Smith's past votes on business incentives? If memory serves he has voted FOR business incentives in the past...

Re: Incentives: Senate Ayes and Noes

btusha — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 05:33:28 -0400

I was glad to see that a man like Sen. Smith of Clayton stuck to his principals from the beginning. I wish he had more of an impact. Maybe if he gets elected Gov. he will try to get it done right. Most of these companies do not need extra inentives. They, like Ms. Purdue, Mr. Moore and Easly do not keep their promises.