Citizen input means nothing when it comes to pimping for taxes

Congratulations to Stephen Fowler, Newark's economic development director, who wants everyone to know that the citizens who pay his salary don't matter when it comes to the decisions being made by industries to which he and the city government pimp for tax dollars.

Fowler went above and beyond the city administration's normal disregard for public opinion when he wrote the following item for the Advocate's Story Chat Forum:

"To clarify a point that's been discussed in relation to this story - the sole reason for withdrawing the ethanol production facility was the company’s inability to escape the added cost to develop a facility on a small site within a large rail loop. It amounted to at least $10 million in extra costs compared to the five sites they ultimately chose to develop.

"We've asked the company directly if public reaction had anything to do with their decision. The answer was no - without hesitation.

"In addition, the City, the Railroad, and Steve Layman were each contacted directly via phone Monday evening by the top US company official. Later, an email was sent to Mr. Layman because he was not available at his office phone.

"Now that I've reappeared on this blog, I suspect I'll be the target for more accusations and unfounded statements. So be it. Fire away. That's what public sector employees should be prepared for."

Thus did Fowler take great pains to inform the public that its input into the question of whether or not E85 should build a plant in Newark means nothing to E85 or to the city. This demonstrates an arrogance that put him in the running for the next "I Be Government And You Be My Bitch Award."