I don't buy into the argument that local politicians and business magnates contend, if real estate taxes are lowered, businesses will come.How about, if they haven't shown up by now, they never will. Worcester's been around for more than 250 years, it's had it heyday. Thanks to the lack of foresight by Worcester's politicians over the past 4 decades.
The fact is, no one in city government or the private sector has the brains, skills or money to pull off an economic revival. Most certainly not in this economy. That's the essence of Worcester's quagmire. And of all municipalities across the nation.
BTW, you did notice that taxes is 3rd on the list. So why is it such a issue in Worcester? That argument misses the most obvious fact: not any ole company can or wants to setup here. Why? Worcester is a haven for educational and medical non-profits. And forget the argument that because there are some 10 colleges here that Worcester is bursting at the seams with employable graduates. Two issues, big ones at that, they ain't got any experience and they're trained to be bureaucrats not free-market entrepreneurs.
Fact is, if businesses haven't moved here by now, they never will. Why? Sure ain't real estate tax rates. It's because Worcester has nothing to offer.What sort of businesses would thrive in Worcester? Small service oriented companies - bars, convenience stores, restaurants etc. Those that cater to a college town.
What can a city council full of bureaucratic thinking politicians do for Worcester? Nothing actually. They got us into this predicament. They're as blind as blind can be.
What can councilor and chairman of the economic development committee Rick Rushton, with a history degree do? Yes, a history degree. He knows nothing about running a business. He's part of the problem.
What can council candidates real estate agent Tony Economu and office cleaning business owner Steve Buchalter do for Worcester? They have no accomplishments to prove they're leaders who could move Worcester out of the economic doldrums. Let's be clear here, Steve Buchalter, starting a cleaning business cannot translate into running a city. Tony Economou runs a 3-person real estate business with his son, wife, and himself.
Shakers & movers? Hardly. Their solution for Worcester's ills: cut real estate and personal property taxes on businesses, heap the tax burden on residential property owners. Wonder why voters are fed up with politicians and wannabes?
To get some credible insight into the local business scene read the T&G's Peter Cohan: T&G: Start-up chose Marlboro over Worcester. A real entrepreneur said it wasn't about taxes, but "the lack of local talent" kept Egenera Inc. from settling here; the decision had nothing to do with taxes. Also read Peter Cohan's other story: Can Worcester draw more entrepreneurs?
Why are a handful of local business owners whining about real estate taxes then? Because its easier to change taxes at the municipal level than the state or national level - path of least resistance.
It's easier to whine than roll-up their sleeves and prove themselves as real businessmen.
Welcome to Worcester!
