Gee Vicky, you forgot to mention the real thieves, but I'm sure it was an oversight!
The robbers are not small businesses that rarely got public money but Big Banking, Big Insurance, Big Energy, Big Construction, and Big Transportation among others. They all spend more time and money in one day than Lucille's makes in a year buying members of Congress in order to finance schemes designed to enrich themselves at the public expense. It may be a handout, an open ended contract, immunity from environmental laws or accounting rules or liability, a no-bid contract, suspension or de-funding of regulatory oversight, waiver of tax, or just a plain old bailout because the business was mismanaged or done in by greed. No matter the reason, these thieves are demanding that government protect them from the marketplace or give them special consideration in that marketplace, or make a marketplace for them. Jim Bernstein Fulton -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Victoria Heller Sent: Saturday, October 04, 2003 9:29 AM To: Minneapolis Forum Subject: [Mpls] Lessons from Lucille's I been watching the Lucille's thread hoping that someone from the MCDA would come forward to tell Listmembers how much public money has already been poured into Lucille's and the building in which it is located. Call me a dreamer! Nevermind, it would only depress people. On to the lessons........ Let's see, Lucille's has great food, and everyone who's anyone hangs out there -- it's become a mini-Town Hall. No one asks the obvious question: Why are they losing money? Could it be that insider salaries are really high? Could it be that customers don't pay for their meals? Could there be too many company cars on the books? Could someone's fingers be in the till? Instead of finding the source of the problem, the Minneapolis response is: Need money? No problem. Here's more. Continuing on with Minneapolis logic....... "Gosh, we're broke." "Let's borrow money to build an addition - that'll help." "Some new carpet, new furniture - gotta look good." "Oh, oh. We did all of these things - but we're more broke." "Let's raise our prices - that's the answer." "Oh no, fewer customers. Too expensive now." "Looks like we'll have to call it quits. Can't pay our bills." "UNLESS.........., the taxpayers rescue us again. Please, please, please." Get the picture? Throwing good money after bad never solves a problem -- it just drags it out and makes it worse in the long run. Poorly managed businesses are supposed to fail, thus creating opportunities for others who can run a tight ship. The Lesson condensed: Before falling for a sob story, find out what created the problem in the first place. Then, do whatever you want to, but at least be informed. Vicky Heller North Oaks REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
