An article in the April 30 Az Star notes that Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities Inc., known as TREO, proposes that local governments consider giving companies a one-time tax credit of up to $2,500 for each full-time, high-wage job filled or created.
There are probably those that may oppose retail giveaways such as the $23.2M to Vestar, but might agree that an enticement to bring Hi Tech jobs to our community has merit. Conversely, others may believe any type of incentive is not in our best interests.
To us, there is a bigger question. At a recent Oro Valley Council meeting, TREO President Joe Snell, and ex OV Economic Dev. Administrator, and now Sr. VP, David Welsh made a presentation. Mr. Snell suggested, due to the terrible economic conditions, Oro Valley might consider dropping our $50,000 donation to TREO, to $45,000.
How magnanimous! Our question is simple and straightforward: What do we get, and what have we gotten for the vast amount of money we've given TREO over the years?
Sure, Tucson has a lot to show for their bucks, but we're Oro Valley, and we believe we get "the short end of the stick."
Bill Garner & Salette Latas met today with a large number of organizations, including TREO----all asking for OUR money. Once the Council decides, it will be interesting to see who gets what, and why.
Here's the Star article.
http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/290870
2 comments:
Looking at Tucson and Pima County overall, what do they show for the taxes and other monies they have collected? What has TREO shown for their 'title'? As far as I can see, it has been meager at best. Will TREO suggest Oro Valley as a prospective 'home'? Will TREO push Marana as THE place? Will TREO push
'south of Tucson' as the future? Who knows? Giving money and/or support to TREO doesn't guarantee that the money will be used to 'help' Oro Valley. It is of my opinion from, my own experiences, that businesses will explore ALL options, will settle where, why, and how they care to do so. I say, keep the money, and let our own community, our own people, those who are interested in OUR own development, utilize OUR resources in a manner that OUR brains decide.
If anything, Tucson has shown an incapacity to even develop an identity, let alone business
acumen.
LET'S KEEP OUR MONEY HERE!
Zev--- Your last five words says it all.
"LET'S KEEP OUR MONEY HERE!"
The newly formed Community Foundation, as the name suggests, is a "Foundation" to help the "Community."
If Oro Valley citizens wish to donate to them or any other organization, that is up to the individual.
The Town should understand that we are in difficult economic times, finding it necessary to cut back expenditures and let some employees go.
This is NOT the time to give TREO $50K or $45K or anything.
Start there, and go down the line. After all is said and done, the town's cash can go to lessen expenditures, and maybe even save a job or two.
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