An article in today's Arizona Daily Star notes that Oro Valley has stopped giving economic incentives, as per the Town Council vote on Aug 14th.
In the article, Reporter Danielle Sottosanti solicited two interesting quotes. One from Oro Valley's current Economic Development Administrator, David Welsh, who is (thankfully), against these "giveaways;" another from Jerry Bustamante, President of The Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce, who believes they should remain available. Their quotes are excerpted below.
"The Town Council's decision not to use those incentives won't affect Oro Valley's ability to attract retail development", said David Welsh, economic development administrator. "In my experience, I haven't seen they are effective," he said.
Jerry Bustamante disagreed. "Economic development incentives are a tool that I think all municipalities should have in their toolbox," he said.
We would ask Mr. Bustamante one question.: Are you speaking for yourself or are you speaking on behalf of all the small business owners, some of which may be out of business as a result of Vestar bringing in a Wal-Mart?
Click here to read the article.
1 comment:
Jerry Bustamante is obviously speaking on behalf of the large businesses that pay his salary. He does not represent Oro Valley businesses exclusively, let alone small businesses. Maybe it's time for Oro Valley to have its own Chamber.
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