Orr: Skybus a risky investment
In case you didn't hear, Gov. Easley was in Greensboro Monday to announce Skybus was opening it's new "focus city" - what some folks might call a hub - at PTIA.
Former Supreme Court Justice Robert Orr, a Republican candidate for governor, doesn't think much of the deal. From a news release:
On Monday, October 22, Governor Easley announced a $3.98 million JDIG award to Skybus Airlines to increase its presence at Piedmont Triad International Airport. Founded in 2004, Skybus is known for offering fares as low as $10. Justice Orr had the following recommendations:"I could name any number of other areas where North Carolina could benefit from an investment of $3.98 million. Instead, Governor Easley and the Economic Investment Committee have decided it's better for the state to invest in the risky discount airline market. If Governor Easley and the Economic Investment Committee were determined to support Skybus, they could have instead purchased thousands of tickets on Skybus flights to be given to government workers, service men and women, military families, or those who could not otherwise afford to travel by air. Instead the state has provided cash payments to be used according to the liking of Skybus executives. At least then, North Carolina citizens could have gained some direct benefit from the deal."
"Customers will either be excited about the service Skybus provides or they won't. It is not up to the State of North Carolina to interfere. Again, this incentive represents our continued flawed approach to economic development. Instead of wasting state funds to subsidize every day business decisions, we need to focus our investments on improving business conditions and encouraging growth statewide for the betterment of all North Carolina citizens."
In case you don't get the drift, Orr has made reforming North Carolina's corporate incentives system a focus of his campaign.
Comments (7)
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In case you don't get the drift, Orr has made reforming North Carolina's corporate incentives system a focus of his campaign.* Mark
When can we expect " Sponge Bob" Orr to address the biggest corporate fascist fraud in the State of North Carolina known as the Blackwater Group?
Posted on October 23, 2007 1:14 PM
Connie: Does Blackwater work for the state or has N.C. given them incentives to locate here? If not, in what way would you want a candidate for govenror to address them?
Posted on October 23, 2007 1:18 PM
Connie: Does Blackwater work for the state or has N.C. given them incentives to locate here? If not, in what way would you want a candidate for govenror to address them?* Mark
Sure the State does! You are aware that the citizens of North Carolina pay federal income taxes. Is there some other law that says we can't deduct that tax off our support for a mafia type of corporate operation in this state? Does the 10 th amendment stop the candiate from speaking to this state corporate issue?
If the candiate is scare to speak to this issue, He should sign up for a 15 month judical tour to Iraq and explain that the Blackwater Group is good for business in North Carolina to the Baghdad Chamber of Commerse?
Posted on October 23, 2007 1:38 PM
I see your point Connie. But I somehow doubt that Blackwater is going to be high on my or any other reporter's list of questions to ask any of the candidates for governor. Nor, I suspect, is it going to be high on the list of items their campaign staff is going to prod them to speak on.
As aggrieved as you and others may be, the issue is not really on-point for someone auditioning to run the state.
Posted on October 23, 2007 1:43 PM
I see your point Connie. But I somehow doubt that Blackwater is going to be high on my or any other reporter's list of questions to ask any of the candidates for governor. Nor, I suspect, is it going to be high on the list of items their campaign staff is going to prod them to speak on.* Mark
Good for you! Why wouldn't it be high on a reporter list? In some circles that would be call a mainstream media cover-up with the candiate political campaign.
And that is the very reason why 70% of the American people have left the political system since most know it is fix deal for both parties and the mainstream media
As aggrieved as you and others may be, the issue is not really on-point for someone auditioning to run the state.*Mark
Not aggrieved, sorry and neither are others who are growing in massive numbers in this political cycle of distrust. It will become a issue no matter what one thinks. It's a new political ball game Mark....the old political establishment rules no longer apply.
Posted on October 23, 2007 6:56 PM
Sorry about my name not appearing on the above comment...senior moment.....one other note. Blackwater now has serious legal problems with the IRS and most likely with NC taxes after the feds finished with their operations.....The Blackwater group has about 40 corporate fronts here in North Carolina, Nobody knows who the stockholders are or who controls what as a private corporation. Mr Erik the CEO of Blackwater claims to his knowledge or as he is quoted " I think I make about a million dollars a year as a Blackwater Employee" Which makes Mr Prince the highest paid CEO in the State.
The Blackwater has a fleet of aircraft which numbers about 27 including a 767 jet liner here in the states or somewhere on the planet. The corporation shows no such listing for the aircraft in North Carolina on federal aviation records which means it is hiding the Taxable assets from the State of North Carolina.
Posted on October 23, 2007 9:27 PM
It's apparent that Mr. Orr has a rather naive perception of how markets work in early 21st capitalist economies.
For all that is right and holy, please don't elect this fellow to the governorship.
Posted on October 24, 2007 12:28 AM