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Friday, May 09, 2008
The Smell Test
We appreciate postings by Watauga County economic development officer Joe Furman on the thread down-column ("Raising Eyebrows"), trying to clarify the announced scheme to bail out Tweetsie Railroad with county funds ... explanations that prompt more questions.
Our skepticism about corporate welfare still stands.
Our biggest question today: since the non-profits that provide valuable services to Watauga County (child-care, stray animal rescue, family crisis assistance, etc.) are required (aren't they?) to provide financial statements to the County Commission when requesting modest grants, and these financial statements become part of the public record (do they not?), has Tweetsie Railroad been asked for financial disclosure, and if so, is that report available for public inspection?
Otherwise, the fragrance this deal gives off is something short of roses.
Our skepticism about corporate welfare still stands.
Our biggest question today: since the non-profits that provide valuable services to Watauga County (child-care, stray animal rescue, family crisis assistance, etc.) are required (aren't they?) to provide financial statements to the County Commission when requesting modest grants, and these financial statements become part of the public record (do they not?), has Tweetsie Railroad been asked for financial disclosure, and if so, is that report available for public inspection?
Otherwise, the fragrance this deal gives off is something short of roses.
Labels: Tweetsie Railroad, Watauga County Commission
