by: J. Charles Coughlin
In the worst economy in recent history, the Goldwater Institute is looking for ways to ensure that cities and towns will be even more strapped for cash. Their latest salvo, from Nick Dranias, attacks development incentives and touts reforms to end one of local government’s most successful economic tools.
At the very heart of economic incentives is the notion that growth should pay for itself. Dranias would like you to believe that cities are handing out sacks of taxpayer money to developers who agree to come to town. The Goldwater Institute’s public relations campaign surrounding their litigation relies on that age old propaganda rule, that if you repeat a lie often enough it becomes the truth. (more…)