Funny, seemed like when I heard WSJS’ top of the hour reports on the latest round of Dell layoffs, Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines was still offering up his usual glass-is-half-full spin. But Joines now has called on Dell to release the numbers:
I and the City Council are increasingly concerned by the company’s withholding of employment information related to incentive requirements. I recognize that these are very difficult economic times, however, the people of Winston-Salem have invested in this company and deserve more forthcoming communication, especially now when open and active dialogue between the public and our corporate leadership is so critical.”
….The statement today is the first time that Joines has expressed frustration with a company that he did much to support. Joines is seeking his third term as mayor in the November election.
Not that Joines’ statement will change anything, and I’d say there’s more than a fair chance that Dell could shutter the plant and still get away without paying back incentives. Government eats incentives money like it’s candy.
That said, it would be nice if the Mayor issued a statement telling Dash owner Billy Prim to cut the crap and get the downtown taxpayer-funded baseball stadium built.
