 To the editor:I was motivated to write this editorial after
having a very lengthy conversation this past weekend.
The topic, which brought this issue of concern to me, was tax
breaks and incentives for businesses or corporations wanting to
build or locate in Lincoln. There are many other factors that go
into this, but these are the top two that people seem to want
justified, whether or not it was worth the city and county
investment or their tax dollars bringing new entities to the
communities.
Depending on the company, there are other major issues to
consider, like location and how much money is saved in
transportation cost by locating in a centralized location such as
Logan County. Another factor, mainly dealing in retail
establishments, is the market value or demand in this particular
area. All the breaks and incentives will not offset the lack of
retail sales if no one comes to their stores. A third major factor
is housing and school districts in the future site location of
prospective investors looking to settle in a community, and yes,
believe me, this is really on the top of the list to cooperate
America, because many do care for their employees and thus want the
best available resources for them and all their families.
Fourth, there is also the competition factor: businesses who like
to compete head-to-head with their competitors for business. Fifth,
roads and access into or out of proposed sites for development. This
is top on the list, in retail especially, as location and access in
and out of their establishment for their customer is very important.
Sixth, the local media and advertisement market, because all the tax
breaks and incentives can't help out if there is not a marketing
resource to promote their business.
So, without going into hard-core political reasons to why tax
breaks or incentives are done, it is a chance that all communities
take, and that is a major investment of local taxpayers' money to
bring growth and prosperity to their communities. Nobody knows
whether it is the right thing to do for sure, but you can't measure
major success in strictly those two areas mentioned above. Besides,
there's the sales tax revenue, increased population, a broader tax
base to draw from that you hope will come from your investment.
But the one big thing that people tend to never consider or look
at, and the main reason for this editorial, is the unbelievable
paybacks we received from our investment from these businesses and
corporations in the form of charitable donations for a cause! You
cannot measure this in money alone. I'll just mention a few off the
top of my head as an example of what I'm talking about.
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 This part, I'll have you take note, has nothing to do with tax
breaks or incentives. It's to point out the generosity of corporate
America and business in general, and how once they're established in
a community, they too make a powerful investment.
Recently Eaton Corp. and the Lincoln IGA have been major players
in many, many positive donations that greatly enrich Lincoln. The
youth football program benefited with the use of the football field
at Eaton, who also is helping the senior transportation at Community
Action. And Charlie and Bill at IGA for years have gone out of their
way to support all events in Lincoln. Others who can be put into
that category are Wal-Mart, who always is a topic of major
conversation when choosing or build or locate in a community.
Payback is much more, once established, in sales tax revenue and all
the enormous charitable contributions they make locally each year.
I won't mention everyone because I know I may miss a few, and
there are those who want to remain behind the scenes, but some who
need to be noticed are Lincoln College, who helps out in many
fundraising events as well as providing input in special occasion
celebrations of our community; Sysco Foods, who gladly donates to
special causes; Kroger's for years has held fundraising events and
in fact encourages employees to get involved with community
involvement; Saint-Gobain Containers, who is a strong player in our
glass bottle recycling program; Jim Xamis, Graue Chevrolet are
well-known for their contributions to their community; Guzzardo's,
Sorrento's, Domino's, Papa John's and Bonanza, who never turn down
people in the community who come to them for help. These are just a
few. Usually there is a long list of donators in the paper with
thanks from organizations who benefited from charitable
contributions from corporations and businesses who think enough of
Lincoln to invest.
So the next time a major project comes to Lincoln or Logan County
and your first point of question is why the tax breaks or major
incentives package involved, stop to think for one second the
enormous benefits we reap in return for our investments. You might
really be really amazed to find out that there truly are many things
that go into our decisions, but also the fact that many feel the
need to give back to the community that opens their arms to them.
And the ones that didn't receive any incentives give of themselves
because of their love and belief that their community is a great
place to live and raise a family. And families help each other.
Pat O'Neill
(The above is a transcription of a handwritten article.)
[Posted
September 12, 2007]
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