Saturday, 7 July 2007
If I were...
« Democrats Childish Ways | Main | Yarmuth wants us to enjoy Socialized Medicine »If I were on the board of Peabody energy would I feel comfortable with a "letter" saying that incentives will be passed at a future date? Especially knowing that government can change its mind on a whim. I only have to look at the bingo halls, bars, and restaurants in Louisville who spent over $30,000 to install new ventilation systems. All on the promise that the metro council wouldn't ban smoking in their establishments. Only to have the council change its mind shortly afterwards. No I wouldn't have many warm fuzzies over a "letter".
How comfortable would I be with a legislature that cares more about its own intrigues rather than the well being of its citizens? If it cares so little about its citizens, how would it treat its corporate citizens?
The "letter" Richards keeps talking about mentions passing incentives in the future. What are those incentives going to be if my company selected Kentucky? Without guaranteed numbers, I have no way to create a cost - benefit analysis of the investment. I would be taking a huge leap of faith with my own money and the money of others who entrusted that responsibility to me.
Would you gamble with your investment money in this situation? I didn't think so. And neither would I. If I were a member of the board, I would have to vote to go elsewhere. I suspect that is what Peabody will do when they decide later this summer. Richards, Beshear, and the rest of the Democrats are wrong on this one and I hope they and their party are ready for the fall out when Peabody passes over Kentucky.
