Ed Williams
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
I want to commend Bert Dirschell for his letter in the 7/11/18 edition. He has pointed out that there is no report of economic activity at the river port in Boonville. If there were any economic development, the Chamber of Commerce would tout it long and loud. The rest of us should have heard about it from multiple sources. I stated in this column that the “study” of the feasibly of building a port in Jefferson City would come back with a glowing recommendation. I do not remember any of these “studies” even having a note of caution much less a negative conclusion. Could it be that “studies” in Cole County are just rationalizations for giving the Chamber millions of tax dollars to benefit the Chamber and its members. There can be no doubt that concrete, gravel, and asphalt for the port will come from Farmer Brothers companies, steel from DeLongs, and excavating from Twehous.
I must disagree slightly with Mr. Drischell when he said, “I doubt that any City or County politician will have the guts to propose that we who will supposedly benefit from the port, should be the ones to pay for it.” The arrogance and greed of the Chamber people has no limit. The Chamber formulates plans in secret, and the City Council rubber stamps them with no serious deliberation. That is how the Capital Mall and St. Mary’s TIFs were accomplished. I expect a sales tax proposal next year that will pay for this Chamber project with Chamber control. Fortunately their last attempt at a money and power grab, Transformation Tax, was defeated with a 60 percent “no” vote. That, despite an $80,000 campaign by the Chamber. That campaign only contained vague promises such as “opportunity.” I expect the same from the river port campaign. If Transformation had passed, I believe there is a good chance that Jefferson City government would be in bankruptcy.
The City Council and Chamber have not shown good judgment but try to route tax money to greedy businesses. For example, their Capital Mall subsidy has cost taxpayers millions of dollars yet shows declining sales. My expectation is that the mall will cease operating as a mall within five years.
Burt, I hope you continue to show diligence in bringing issues of local importance to our attention. I fear we cannot depend on local media to do so.