Another thing the state can do to justify increasing its debt at the threat of going bankrupt is give money to talented grant writers to pick winners and losers in local businesses. All one need say is “Main Street,” and the audience is covered in warm and fuzzies. $1.95 million has been awarded to local businesses from the state’s Main Street Solutions Fund.
One happy recipient of your tax contributions is the Downtown Waynesville Association. It received $300,000 for a “growth opportunity” that will “revitalize” a downtown by converting an old theater into space for two beer joints, a pizza joint, and an artists’ space. The renovation is anticipated to cost $1.4 million. The entrepreneurs don’t have the money, but are relying on investors. And, since the raison d’etre of business is jobs, the project boasts creating 98 unqualified jobs.
To be fair and balanced, I will quote opposing viewpoints on projected outcomes for various sectors of the economy increasing their dependence on government for sustenance:
For every $1 invested by the state, an additional $4.72 will be invested by the local community. – Bev Perdue
Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him. – Isaiah
Wait. That last person wasn’t politically correct. Try this one:
Good bye. – Simon Cowell
