The Cary News reports the town council is discussing an incentives package for a technology manufacturer. I can only imagine how this must irk other companies who already do business in Cary and find themselves among the group not deemed worthy enough to receive a subsidy. So much for that level playing field we hear about. Beyond that, however, is this curious passage in the story (emhasis is mine):
“We were told that there was a sense of urgency [in the deal] and that sense has gone away,” councilman Jack Smith said Wednesday. Council members, including Smith, said they did not know the identity of the company.
Public officials are not required to reveal details about pending economic development proposals — a policy that has rankled advocates of open government and fiscal responsibility.
Let me get this straight. They’re talking about doling out town funds, or perhaps decreasing the new company’s tax burden, and they don’t know who it is? Really?
