TIFS ARE A WASTE

Currently Cities across the country, Kansas City, Missouri included, are competing not only with other domestic locations they are now faces with the reality of the Worldwide economy. American cities are competing with other countries to attract and retain firms looking or the best situation they can negotiate. Very often American cities are offering tax breaks with may never be turned into a net gain for the community.

There is a near epidemic of attracting firms for the sake of having the firms, while there is a give away of the tax base, thus negating any real benefit. It is similar to individuals extending their credit for the sole purpose of having possession.

Having big name firms and state of the art stadiums and arenas, creates name recognition for the city; but the needs of the community are not met, rather they are ignored and at best put on the back burner.

Thanks to Mayor Kay Barnes, our City has lots of new shiny buildings; but what do we gain when there are tax deferments for decades a pop. It is very similar to the problem communities create when they bring in a WAL-MART, Big impressive building, but an enormous tax loss.

I heard one candidate for Mayor, forgot which one, maybe Funkhouser, that Kansas City has lost BILLIONS; due to these TIFs and deferred payments. While our schools, Streets and Art community are among the worst funded in America.

Thanks Kay for all the pretty buildings, I am sure her next job will be in the real state or development field, I am sure she will do well for herself with that as well.