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STATEMENT: ... 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 RESPONSE: I things have changed (or even if they haven't), I think the government has a review board for requests for business assistance. I know there's an agency that gives out loans to certain types of people who have been qualified as "disadvantaged", who want to start up their own business. While I don't think the government should be in the banking business, I don't have much objection to the reality that they are. So if Ruminator qualifies in all the ways that are required for the program, then I have no problem with them getting a loan.
STATEMENT/QUESTION: 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?
MY RESPONSE: If you want a city full of little independent shops and boutiques, then funding the Ruminator is the way to go. I'm not sold on the inherent virtue of little, nonprofitable businesses. To me it smacks of the philosophy that wealth is evil and a desire to be affluent is bad. A philosophy that I've never agreed with. But on the other hand, I usually find as much pleasure in cruising a lot of little shops (I especially like the ones in downtown Stillwater, especially Trembles! oh wow, their turtles are the greatest) as I do in checking out big ones (my other favorite place to cruise is the Mall of America). For those on this list who want more places like historic district Stillwater, then save the Ruminator. Unlike the stadium issue, this is not one that I'd resist having my tax dollars go towards.
Speaking of which, I received some emails offline concerned that I might not like the Ruminator or would take glee in seeing it fail. That's not true. I don't want to see any business fail that is meeting a need of the people. I hope St. Paul is chock full of successful businesses, be they little or big.
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