Welfare for Dell does not compute
DURHAM (Oct. 28) -- The General Assembly will convene in special
session beginning Nov. 4 to discuss ways of luring Dell, Inc. to the
Triad. Many state legislators, including state Sen. Kay Hagan of
Greensboro, applaud the efforts. They claim it will bring some 2,000 jobs
to the Triad and will boost the economy.
But Libertarian Rusty Sheridan, Hagan's opponent in Tuesday's general
election, believes the legislature's methods are improper.
Sure it sounds great to have a big company like Dell locate here,"
said Sheridan. "But at what expense? At the expense of the small business
owners who pay the taxes that are given to Dell as a bribe to attract them
to the Triad."
"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy," Sheridan said. "Why
should they be forced to subsidize a mighty corporation like Dell?"
Politicians in Raleigh call them "targeted incentives," which can be
cash payments, tax breaks and help acquiring land or extending utilities.
Sheridan calls it by a different name. "It's corporate welfare. I have
nothing against Dell. I'm looking to buy one of their computers myself,"
he said.
"A company as big and rich as Dell is able to locate here on their own,
independently of a handout from the government," he said. "Of course, in
order to do that, the legislature must work to reduce burdensome taxation
and regulations that are an impediment to business."
"That is what I intend to fight for if elected."
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