Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2013 20:20:08 -0400
From: Donna Kelly
Subject: Re: news, bias and reliably informing the public
The article Gene posted about the potential megasite was great Chatham-centric news.I had just read the agenda for the March 11 Commissioners’ meeting which included the consideration of a resolution in support of the site.The agenda abstract, which I provided a link to in my last post, clearly describes the site as a private project.The article Gene posted gave additional information about the Randolph County site and compared some of the pros and cons of the two sites.Maybe it was because I had already read the agenda item for the BOC, but I didn’t see anything in Gene’s article about the county signing any contracts or securing any deals.It seemed clear to me that private developers, not the county, are putting the site together in contrast to the Randolph site.
I did do some extra research on the state website because I was curious about the certified site program and was trying to find out when and why the state was giving out grants for megasites.That’s why I provided that link in case anyone else was interested.If I’m interested in something I look for more information rather than rely on a single newspaper article.
Here are Karen’s questions and why I thought they were odd:
1.”It seems that the owners “have already done most of the engineering work to study soil, environment and other technical details.” Really? So we won’t have to? That sounds a little naive to me. We just take their word that there won’t be any problems?”
Where does the article suggest that anyone would take the developer’s word alone about anything?Engineering work generally produces engineering reports, which document the findings of any study and are available for review.The studies are actually a requirement of the certified sites program and reviewed by the state.
2.”It would be nice to hear more details about what Chatham citizens can expect to get out of this deal. Does having a megasite guarantee that a major manufacturer will relocate here?”
The article stated “the push is on to develop a third site that *could *attract an auto plant or major manufacturer to this region.” Why would anyone expect a guarantee from private developers making their own investment in their own property?
3.”What incentives will our County Commissioners make to win this contract? Will it be worth the wait until the megasite fulfills its promise?”
There was nothing in the article about any incentives being offered or any contract being signed.The only thing discussed was a resolution of support.The county’s economic incentive policy only rewards actual job creation with a tax credit.http://www.chathamedc.org/business-climate/incentive-policiesWhy would anyone suspect this project to be any different?
My goal in posting to the Chatlist is to share information.When I comment on the Chatlist I try to supply links to sources of official information whenever possible so people can judge for themselves.I don’t have access to any special behind the scenes activities but since I do attend a lot of meetings I report on what is presented at those meetings. If Karen feels my information is inaccurate or biased she’s certainly free to present her own information.
Donna Kelly