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QUESTION: "Would someone else who wanted to start up a new independant bookstore get the same cash?"
MY ANSWER-OPINION: No, a start-up MIGHT not be considered for such a loan (we are talking about a loan), which makes complete sense. A start-up is much riskier and more expensive than trying to maintain an existing business. I think that its always makes sense to try and keep existing businesses in business (assuming conditions are right) before one starts investing in NEW businesses.
QUESTION - STATEMENT: "Starting down this road, noble as the intention might be, will get you very quickly to outright graft as other businesses demand their cut of the swag."
MY ANSWER-OPINION: This is a loan (or isn't it). While some corruption may be possible, we need to look at the facts. It appears that we are talking about a low interest loan AND the business owner is converting the business into a "Community Owned" store (at least that's the claim). I think that its important to look at the details. Does the owner really stand to gain anything (other than his pride)? Do we really want to suggest that government can never provide financial assistance to a local business?
QUESTION - STATEMENT: "If it's wrong for the big Boyz, it's wrong for the little ones, too."
MY ANSWER-OPINION: Without taking a position on this particular deal. I'm not sure its always wrong for either the the BIG boys/girls or the LITTLE girls/boys. In my opinion, the government (as it represents the community) does have a role, from time to time, in providing local business assistance. Exactly when and how that assistance is given, is the tricky part. Which brings us back to the specifics of this case.
QUESTIONS: "Is there any redevelopment going on? Will it add more jobs to the city? Is there any pollution clean up? Are we getting rid of a blighted area? How about are we helping a minority business owner set up shop or expand his or her business?"
MY ANSWER-OPINION: These are good questions. Questions that in my opinion, demonstrate some of the interests that we have as a community in SOME businesses or business deals. Sometimes, the city has something to gain by keeping a business in business or financially encouraging a new business to locate here. The question is, how to decide when and for what reasons the city will get involved?
QUESTION - STATEMENT: "The conditions that have caused the store to teeter on the brink aren't going away. Same management, same advertising, same marketing, same selection, same customers,...."
MY ANSWER-OPINION: It might appear that way to us citizens, but are we really that familiar with the details of what is being proposed. What if there is New Management or a new marketing plan? What if steps have been taken to change the conditions under which the business is operating. I don't think its as easy as some of us think to make theses judgements. What about the "community ownership" model that's been mentioned, wouldn't that be a fundamental change in management that might improve (or decrease) the chances of survival?
MY OWN QUESTION: The questions that I would ask about this deal are: 1) Is it really a sound fiscal risk (Mitch has an opinion, but I'd like a second opinion)? Does taking this risk help the city meet some kind of broader goal or policy? Are we playing favorites - or does this deal comply with existing policy priorities and procedures?
Best wishes,
Tim Erickson Hamline Midway [EMAIL PROTECTED]
-- ================================================= Tim Erickson http://www.politalk.com St. Paul, MN - USA 651-643-0722 [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 105978430 =================================================
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