As a resident of Johnston County (and hoping to continue to be), I was really excited to read in The News & Observer today about the commissioners’ giveaway of $16 million in tax breaks to Talecris Biotheraputics allegedly in exchange for expanding its plant in Clayton:

The unanimous vote was mostly a formality. Gov. Bev Perdue went to
Clayton last month to announce the drug company’s expansion. In
addition to the county money, the state has pledged to give Talecris up
to $3.91 million in grants to create 259 jobs in Johnston.

In fact, I was so inspired that I sent the following email message to all the county commissioners:






Dear Honorable County Commissioners,

 

I read today in The News & Observer about the $16
million in tax breaks you gave to Talecris. This is heartening!

 

You see, I recently sold my home here in Johnston County and
plan to have another brand new one built. I would like to stay in Johnston
County and, as with Talecris’s expansion, increase the size of our family
dwelling. I would be investing in the county and creating construction jobs for
your citizens! And because the value of my new home would be higher, it would
increase county property tax revenues! Not to mention that by keeping my family
in Johnston County, the sales taxes we generate would continue to flow into
your coffers. And here’s a bonus: We homeschool, so we are not even a financial
burden on the school system!

 

But as you know, there are competitors in the Triangle for
my homeownership. Wake County and Harnett County are both also very attractive
places to live, just to name two. I believe Talecris was also looking at other
locations. We all must show economic wisdom and give strong consideration to
all viable options.

 

Since I am sure you all are a fair-minded group (otherwise
how could you have been elected?), I look forward to hearing from you about how
you plan to treat all Johnston County taxpayers with equal consideration. I am
eager to hear from you what property tax breaks you will offer me, commensurate
with the percentage that was delivered to Talecris, in exchange for me
continuing to reside in Johnston County.

 

Thank you very much for this promising development for all
Johnston County taxpayers!

 

Sincerely,

 

Paul Chesser

(address withheld from Locker Room to avoid harassment)