Taylor County Development Authority and business.

Deadhorse opens the following discussion:

Could someone let us know what The Taylor County Development Authority is doing to attract businesses to Perry?

 del.icio.us  Digg 

 

What did you think of this article?




Trackbacks
  • No trackbacks exist for this entry.
Comments

  • 4/6/2008 1:10 PM Deep-Thought wrote:
    I'm not sure the organization is doing much of anything. Their web site has obsolete information posted and many of the links don't work. I'm not sure this lack of attention to their web site is indictive of the overall management of the operation. I've lived here for 54 years and I can't think of a single job being created by this entity since its inception. Maybe a representative from the "authority" can enlighten this blog
    on current and future plans.
    Most of their past work consisted of seeking a resolution of approval for every hair-brained scheme that came along, this includes endorsing a bombing range along our beautiful coast.
    Reply to this
    1. 5/9/2008 1:13 PM old democrat wrote:
      Why can't the Development authority attract something like this?

      ECO Lifestyle Homes Announces Intention to Locate New Facility in Chipley, Florida

      By Tuquyen Mach

      Chipley, FL -- The Panhandle could be at the center of the latest trend in homebuilding.
      An Illinois company called Eco Lifestyle Homes plans to build a plant in the Tommy McDonald Industrial Park in Chipley.
      "Their product is geared for what is the future of the American home building society, and that is green building," says Ted Everett, executive director of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.
      Everett says the company scouted five locations, picking Chipley in part because of a planned foreign trade zone that will reduce import and export taxes.
      "It really levels the playing field a lot for some of the manufacturers who are in America that have such a tough time competing against foreign manufacturers... What really it translates to is jobs kept in America," he says.
      The company plans to have the plant open and operations by the fall of this year. The plant will employ 400 people within the next two years, and if all goes well that number will double within four years.
      The company says these green homes will save owners 50 percent on their utilities. They're also affordable, starting at $59,000.
      Everett says these homes are made in the factory, shipped to the site, and can be assembled within 72 hours.
      The factory itself will also use environmentally friendly materials and technology.
      Washington County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ted Everett announced today that ECO Lifestyle Homes, Inc. of Yorkville, Illinois has affirmed their intention to locate a new assembly plant in Chipley, Florida.
      Robin Webb, President of ECO Lifestyle Homes, has confirmed that the intention is to have the facility open and operational by fall of 2008 and that when up to full production capacity, projected over the next two years, the plant will employ around 400 workers. Within four years that number could double, with the majority of jobs involving light assembly, but with some need for more skilled positions in the architectural design and building fields.
      Webb indicated that the business incentives offered by the Florida State Enterprise Zone, along with the prospect of a Foreign Trade Zone in the Industrial Park, played a major role in the decision to locate in Washington County. After extensive research in five Florida counties, ECO Lifestyle Homes based their decision largely in response to the warm welcome offered by the Washington County Chamber and it’s willingness to help negotiate business agreements.
      Chipley, with two industrial parks and easy access to state and Interstate highways, rail transportation systems and a new International airport, has been the focus of businesses looking for a fertile business climate, good transportation and a readily available workforce.
      Reply to this
      1. 5/10/2008 9:50 PM Jubalee wrote:
        Amen! We have an industrial park, an Enterprise Zone and also passed an incentive to attract jobs. Is anyone looking for business like this or does TCDA just respond? Our county could be a leader in "green" industry.
        Reply to this
        1. 5/11/2008 9:19 AM Deep-Thought wrote:
          The county has all the tools but not the management. This group is over-funded and reactive. It doesn't go forward, it has little outreach and is very short-sighted. You have only to look at their glaring lack of accomplishments to know that.

          The "executive director" of this group has moved around to almost every public job available over the years.

          They wait around for someone to call them instead of getting out and beating the bush for industry and jobs. This county is stopped and stagnant because of poor leadership in many areas - jobs and industry development being one of the most pitiful examples of this ineptitude.
          In the real world a non-performing director would be replaced with someone that can do the job.
          Reply to this
    2. 6/22/2008 8:43 AM Razzbaboo wrote:
      . How did the loss of 750 of the counties top paying jobs go unreported?
      I know.
      Reply to this
      1. 6/22/2008 10:40 AM TaylorCountyCitizen wrote:
        I don't follow you. What 750 jobs?
        Reply to this
        1. 6/22/2008 11:26 AM Razzbaboo wrote:
          In 1988 the largest employer in Taylor County had 1,147 jobs/employees.
          Today the same company,in the exact location,and producing same products has approximately 500 employees. The first fact reported in Perry Newspaper,1988/1989 and second fact reported in Mayo newspaper 2007. My question is how did this happen and no one reported this loss?
          Reply to this
          1. 6/22/2008 12:27 PM TaylorCountyCitizen wrote:
            That must be Buckeye.

            Undoubtedly the same thing is happening there that happens in plants everywhere: technological advances reduce the need for manpower.

            Buckeye has provided a ton of jobs--both direct and indirect--to Taylor County over the years. It has pumped a ton of money into our economy as well. But I think at this point most everyone realizes that it's not going to last forever. We need to be prepared for a post-Buckeye era; it's going to be here before we know it.
            Reply to this
            1. 6/23/2008 7:40 AM Deep-Thought wrote:
              Proctor and Gamble for years fought against any business coming here in fear it would raise the level of wages. P&G kept this community a company town and Buckeye is keeping that legacy.
              It is not unusual for a large corporation to keep the areas they're in controlled so the folks there are obligated to the "company store".

              That said, P&G has had a positive influence on the community for many years and is responsible for raising the quality of life for hundreds of workers that would otherwise not have had that opportunity.
              Reply to this
      2. 6/22/2008 11:23 AM T. Mac wrote:
        The reason they do not want to come to Taylor County is we have a reputation of fighting industry....Goes back to Magnolia Bay and the Power plant...
        Reply to this
  • 5/7/2008 6:05 PM old democrat wrote:
    In a time when teachers will be laid off and the school budget is being cut, the development authority has a standing budget of $200,000 of your tax money - with no cuts. It has been told to me that Main Street Perry got $10,000 from the coal plant partners and the financial records got hit by "insurance lightning". Two members of the Main Street board were recently kicked off the board in an unceremonious manner due to their "involvement" in opposing the coal plant. One of them was recruited by the Dev Authority - but then shucked out. Seems to me some accountability to the people of this county of the Development authority might be in order. And I've been told the county's budget is $40 million - what do you get for that?
    Reply to this
    1. 5/7/2008 11:10 PM Jubalee wrote:
      Seems to me Main Street and the TCDA are both being influenced by the same person, and perhaps that isn't a good idea. Although Main Street does support economic development, its funding and membership shouldn't have to be "approved" by the TCDA director!
      The TCDA director arranged for the city to buy the depot from Main Street, and yes, "the prisoners" disposed of all the Main Street records, including file cabinets! Guess no one directs their activities... Now TCDA will have free office space in the depot, and the city will provide Main Street office space 'somewhere' for five years. Very interesting!
      Reply to this
  • 5/7/2008 11:00 PM Jubalee wrote:
    TCDA activities really puzzle me and I am so glad others are interested, and concerned. I go to most of their meetings, which are open to the public, 2nd Monday at noon, Capital City Bank building. The director told me he has a business, not an economic development, background. That doesn't bother me if the process of bringing good jobs with benefits to Taylor County respects our health and doesn't destroy our beautiful natural resources.
    The budget seems large, but the staff is one director and one parttime secretary. How can one person and an all volunteer board be effective? Especially with no purposeful direction from the County Commissioners. I understand there will be some citizen involvement opportunity soon, as the TCDA works out suggestions and ideas formulated by the Vision 2060 task force, with the help of the planners who facilitated that activity. Maybe people will get involved and speak out about what they would like to see in our future.
    Reply to this
  • 5/11/2008 1:16 PM lookingfortruth wrote:
    Why can't we attract more industry? The last major company to come to Taylor County was Wal-Mart(3 or 5 years ago). Suwannee County has a Home Depot, Madison County a water bottling plant? Let's be more proactive in bringing industry to our community.
    Reply to this
    1. 5/11/2008 11:12 PM beachbum wrote:
      I've often wondered why Taylor County has not attracted a water bottling company to come here. They have tried Wakulla County, are in Madison County, and I think are trying to come into Gilchrist or Levy county - and I read where Leon County is writing some sort of rule about bottled water companies - but you never hear about them trying to come here. Why not?
      Reply to this
      1. 6/1/2008 10:13 AM T. Mac wrote:
        Now that is hilarious....Do you not realize why Wakulla County and Madison County has bottled water plants ? It is a simple thing called springs on a river...NOT THAT YOU CAN NOT SELL BUCKEYE WATER...We simply do not have a sprind with the capability of furnish such water...This is why Taylor County can not thrive. What little industry we have people bash it...And when new industry does come people and together and attempt to stop it. If we did have a spring capable of doing such, the same group of tree huggers would band together and say we are destroying the water flow within the county........
        Reply to this
  • 5/22/2008 10:07 PM Anonymous wrote:
    Because you can't bottle and sell Buckeye water.
    Reply to this
    1. 5/25/2008 12:50 PM lookingfortruth wrote:
      Thanks for clearing that up for me.
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 9:20 AM Sick to Dead with Deabeats wrote:
        Please undesrtand the origin of the name of the county and city.
        It might give you some insight into our actions and thougt process.

        Perry was named for Gov. Stark Perry - a Republican that was one of the lowest, stealingest, lying and robbing and back stabbing of all Florida politicans. He and his henchmen stole million from the Us strategic oil suppy during the teapot dome era. He is in deed a worthles piece of feces. Taylor county was named after Zachery taylor - a murder, woman, child and wife killer - also single-handled killed of all the Florida native Americans. We should be really proud that our area carries the name of these thieves and baby killer. My suggest we that we renmane the city and the county to get away from these war criminals once and for all. Name it something we can be proud about and loose the stigma that haunts the citizens ever day and makes us the laughing stocck of the entire state. The next step is to get rid of all these "experts" we've allowed to destroyed the count throught their poor management that borders on incompetentce and dereliction of duty and malfesence of duty. A mass recall is in in order. One more check that Rick Breer draws is a slap in the face of the citizens, tar and feather and a ride out of town on a rail is in order.
        Reply to this
  • 5/26/2008 1:07 PM beachbum wrote:
    What does that mean - you can't bottle and sell Buckeye water ?

    I've been living here just two years, and our water does taste awful. I moved here from Polk County to get away from the traffic, pollution and crime - the traffic here is okay, but I'm getting worried about the crime.

    Looks to me like the development authority just keeps on going after the wrong kind of thing for this county. what idiot would want a bombing range or a coal fired power plant in the county? I moved from down there to get away from the pollution of the Tampa coal plant. If you ever live near one, you won't want one anywhere near you.

    There are so many clean kinds of businesses - looks like the development authority could attract them to come here.
    Reply to this
    1. 5/26/2008 6:38 PM The One Eyed Man is King wrote:
      Trust me - the TCDA is asleep at the wheel and development authority is an oxymoron with deep implications. This group could disappear and no one would notice. Obviously no one ever seriously inquires about their activities or the bunch would have been dismissed long ago. They stumble blindly along.

      I am sure they are unware of this site even though a site like this is an asset to the county and industry looking to relocate. It shows we understand and are using the available technology.

      I urge all of you to call the TCDA and ask them what they've done for us lately.
      Reply to this
    2. 5/27/2008 7:19 AM TaylorCountyCitizen wrote:
      You might want to consider the possibility that not everyone who supported the plant was an "idiot."

      The reality is that Florida needs more electricity. And while alternative means of generating it are in development, there's just no substitute right now for either coal or nuclear energy.

      Those plants, then, must be built if we're to avoid brownouts and blackouts. Taylor County residents have been more than happy to consume electricity generated at coal plants in other counties, but when faced with the possibility of locating a plant here people were suddenly full of righteous indignation. I found that rather hypocritical.
      Reply to this
  • 5/27/2008 12:52 PM Deadhorse wrote:
    The TCDA claims that they brought Lance INc. here. Lance had their eye on Tom's for 50 years. They would have bought the Tom's Brand name if it was in the middle of the desert. Alot of people I know work there. TCDA should focus on bringing business in that can use our small airfield. There is a lot of land around the airport and don't forget the business park down the street that doesn't have any tenants. Who is Rick Breer's boss? They need to put him on an incentive plan where he only gets paid when jobs are produced. This is a Bed tax gone bad. As far as Main Street doing anything- They couldn't finish a depot. What are their chances of bringing business downtown. Yes, I heard that they recruited 2 people for membership and then asked them to resign because prominent business people told them that they would not support them if these 2 remained in Main Street. That is whats wrong with this town. No one appreciates Diversity. Everyone is different, but they can all be contributors in their own ways. Recently a GOOD employee left the county because of a diversity issue. The supervisor was always intimidating her and telling her that her ideas would not work and that she needed to acquire the small town mentality. Perry will never change unless attitudes like that go away!!
    Reply to this
    1. 6/1/2008 8:42 AM In the Valley of the Blind wrote:
      To be proud of something we need something to be proud about. The Perry downtown area looks like downtown Baghdad Iraq with a hodge-podge of rambling buildings. Especially the south side of the square. Do we not have a Mainstreet, a downtown development group and a county development authority? One of the first things a group looking to relocate here is going to do is look at our town. I'm embarassed right now -parts of it look like a ghetto. Who is in charge here? What happened to the depot? We have all these people and groups and nothing is being done! Why was the fellow that wanted to open a bed and breakfast in the Greystone denied his plan. We got a bunch of jealous, petty and very common do nothing "old bittys" and their hench men holding the city and county hostage. Again, I ask what does Rick Breer do to earn his money? What do any of these people do to help the city and county. What I see is a bunch of "elitists" walking around with funny hats and attending meetings where nothing gets done. It is the same old people doing what they do best--NOTHING!
      Reply to this
      1. 6/1/2008 9:53 AM TaylorCountyCitizen wrote:
        I agree that our downtown area needs work. However, fixing this is no easy task. These buildings are privately-owned. If the owners don't voluntarily fix them up, then the only other way to make downtown look good would be to have the city force them to. Is that really a path we want to go down? Some of those businesses just aren't profitable enough to allow the owners to spend a bunch of money making the buildings look good.

        With the Old Depot, the biggest problem is that the state funding that was paying for the work has dried up. It would be great if local businesses would step up to the plate and donate time and materials, but I know from personal experience that local businesses are regularly hit up for money by various causes--you just can't afford to give to all of them.
        Reply to this
        1. 6/1/2008 10:34 AM BlogModerator wrote:
          Very true.  Most of the businesses on the square are feeding their families and paying the bills.  Sure they must be making money, but not what people assume.  That kind of money has already been made, or is being made by only a few, and I am not including those hard working people at Buckeye.  If you have ever worked out there, you would respect the money they make.  The small business owners are the ones we should be standing behind.  It is a very brave and scary thing to step out and try to start, buy or run your own small business.  So support your local, home-town small business owners.
          Reply to this
          1. 6/1/2008 3:43 PM In the Valley of the Blind wrote:
            I'm not talking about the functioning downtown businesses. I know many of them are struggling. I am a small business owner myself and I know the challenges involved. I'm speaking of the run down structures that are a blight on the good people trying to make the downtown work. The city has the authority through health and nuisance laws to force the owners of these neglected and un-maintained structures to clean up their act - to be good neighbors to those folks trying to stay in business. An improved downtown would bring more people to town to shop and hang-out. Nobody wants to see a downtown going the way that Perry is. Many folks downtown have taken the steps to improve their property.
            Reply to this
            1. 6/1/2008 4:23 PM BlogModerator wrote:
              Gotcha, I understand what you are saying, and you couldn't be more right.  It would be nice to have that hometown-downtown feel again.  I remember when I was very young, that is where we went to socialize and have some fun.  I remember the street dances and many other things that use to go on for the youth and people of the community, and then it didn't matter as much of your social status.  Everyone got along and had fun.  People are too busy anymore to probably support that kind of downtown atmosphere, but the improvements would definitely be great for the community and to those already doing their part.
              Reply to this
  • 6/1/2008 11:13 AM old democrat wrote:
    In April, Florida Trend Magazine
    Re: BIG BEND: Upgrading
    > http://www.floridatrend.com/article.asp?aID=32307618.5526297.632463.8623556.46890602.350&aID2=48642&parentID=48625

    Re: “We have a desperate need for quality jobs," says Rick Breer,
    > director of economic development in Taylor County, where last year’s
    > three anticipated economic megaboosters — an advanced-technology
    > coal-fired power plant, a downtown redevelopment project and a
    > multimillion waterfront plan — are either canceled, delayed or looking
    > tenuous.
    > Numerous rural communities are handicapped by a lack of infrastructure
    > to attract business.
    >
    The unemployment rate as of April, 2008
    > in Taylor County is 4.5% (389 jobless people) according to:
    http://labormarketinfo.com/library/laus/counties/LFapr1.htm

    > down from 4.8% the previous month, up from 3.9 in April of 2007.
    Reply to this
  • 6/10/2008 2:16 PM canudobetter wrote:
    I have asked this on other blogs on this site. Can you do better? There seems to be a lot of good ideas from the people complaining about the job or lack there of the Mr. Breer. I just ask Can you do better? If so go do it.
    Reply to this
  • 6/18/2008 9:03 AM Deep-Thought wrote:
    Another great article in the local paper declaring "Taylor area of economic concern". So what's new? it has nothing to do with some folks wanting to bring clean jobs to the county and Mr. T-Mac's "tree huggers". It is about the do-nothing, mismanagement of the "development authority and its "leaders".

    Exactly what does the TCDA do? Who decides the budget, who decides who runs the outfit, who does the evaluations of progress? Who decides the standard of performance? We (me and you) - taxpayers cough up about a quarter million dollars a years to fund this incompetent group. WHY!!! At what point does the management of the TCDA get kicked to the curb and someone else put in charge. It cannot possibly get any worse. What does Mr. Breer do for his salary? Where does this funding go? What is the percentage of administrative costs to services rendered ratio? Has an coherent business relocation incentive package been developed, has mailing lists been developed and constantly worked? - does the staff actively recruit business or simply stuff an envelope when a lead comes in. I would like to invite the folks that have these answers and specifically Mr. Breer to begin posting here so the people of the county can be informed. Are the telephone records and call logs reviewed for performance. What mail pieces are developed and targeted for potential relocations?

    Why is there not very large current and attractive billboards on each end of the county listing the county web site, and email address for contact. Why does the TCDA web site look like a child created it 5 years ago? Why is there not newspaper ads in large cities around the country advertising the attributes of the county? Why is there not Internet links on other web sites seeking new business relocation for the county? It can't be for a lack of budget it is simply for a lack of imagination, desire and skill level. Big sign should read will trade land, building and tax incentives for good jobs call the TCDA. What is going on?
    There is a lack of knowledge, skills and abilities within the TCDA, there is a malaise within the entire system.
    We will always be second rate when we ask for only second rate performance!
    Reply to this
  • 6/18/2008 11:39 AM T.Mac wrote:
    I agree and disagree somewhat with your thoughts...Taylor County has gained a reputation as being a community who does not want development. Look at all the negativenews stories coming out of Taylor County by these same tree huggers...They come out against the papermill, the power plant and Magnolia bay...Now tell me, as a major developer or business entity would you want to go somewhere and attempt to move your company knowing what an uphill battle you will face ? I seriously doubt it...
    Reply to this
    1. 6/18/2008 3:29 PM Deep-Thought wrote:
      It is not so much a negative-business community as it is a community that has a high illiteracy rate and low graduation rate. It is school related. Business is concerned where it might get skilled an or trainable labor.

      Taylor has developed a reputation as not having it together concerning the whole package - skilled labor,tax incentives, land etc. I do agree that there is a certain segment (mostly new residents)of the population that want to keep Taylor County in the dark ages and object to any sort of development.
      Reply to this
      1. 6/19/2008 7:47 AM TaylorCountyCitizen wrote:
        Our graduation rate is actually okay compared to the rest of the state. As for land, Taylor County has a lot available, and most is reasonably priced. I'm not sure about tax incentives; I thought we were pretty competitive there, too.

        Labor, I believe, is the biggest problem--and there's not a lot the TCDA can do about that. We have to change the culture of the entire county, and end a multi-generational trend of ignorance. I get so frustrated every time I see a young couple's wedding announcement in the paper, and both have little or no post-secondary education and are working dead-end jobs. Without a college degree, 21st century opportunities are very limited.

        Of course, there's a Catch-22 at work in our county. Employers don't want to bring high-paying, high-skill jobs here because the degree-holding workforce is so small. But the degree-holding workforce stays small in part because it's hard to find a job here that pays well, so many who earn degrees move off somewhere else. We have to break that cycle, which is no easy task.
        Reply to this
        1. 6/19/2008 4:15 PM Deep-Thought wrote:
          Thank you for your comments:

          I was speaking of a coordinated package of incentives and perks much like the little town of Thomasville Georgia has and used sucessfully to lure several businesses to their area. This would include a targeted and dynamic group of personnel to represent the county.

          Taylor county has one of the best technical schools in the state (TTI)in terms of facilities and funding.

          TTI has offered and continues to offer the same old classes and skill levels for the last 20 years.

          There're just so may steel welders, carpenters and hair dressers - the area needs or can support.

          Taylor county has so many assets and resources to be used that are just lying fallow because of a lack of management and leadership in key positions.
          Reply to this
          1. 6/19/2008 5:00 PM TaylorCountyCitizen wrote:
            I completely agree with you about TTI. That school has been run into the ground, I'm afraid. While the FADSS report shows obscene amounts of money being spent per student out there, 21st century skills aren't being taught like they should.

            The carpentry program, by the way, has been eliminated.
            Reply to this
  • 6/18/2008 7:09 PM T. Mac wrote:
    I disagree with you on that...Many fine Taylor County youth have left our town looking for better employment...I remember in the late 80's some of our Youth attended Auburn University and worked on a project with a battery operated car using what I believe was solar energy to power it....Two fine young men from our community. We have had numerous young men leave and build their own businesses...
    Reply to this
  • 6/22/2008 11:13 AM frustrated wrote:
    Hello T-Mac, and Others
    Seems to me the paper mill has been here for 50 years and at the time folks thought it was the best thing to ever happen to the county. The pay there is great. The pollution is deplorable. 50 years later a lesson learned. The power plant would have added to that pollution, plus you would not be looking a one plant but multiple plants over the years. Could you live in a brown haze? What other industry would even consider coming here with that hanging over their head?
    Mr. Breer stated that the county chased a power plant locating here for over 25 years! Now I ask you what kind of developer is that? Nothing has come to the county from his office in the last 3-5 years (that I know of). All he touts is Lance, NOTHING ELSE.
    If you have so many questions about the TCDA attend the meetings and ask your questions, it is open to the public. Also, attending the COunty Commission meetings is a excellent source of information. Open to the public and if enough people think and feel as you do that is the place to address your concerns. A letter, call or email to your commissioner will start raising red flags and they just might start to listen. He is paid from the county.
    As to Mag Bay --- Mr Pruitt has lots and lots of land. He can move his development inland a bit and not disturb the marsh land, sea grasses and water sheds that protect our coast line.
    Has thought been give as to how the county will protect all those people. The beaches do not have firemen or equipment, is Mr Pruitt going to pay for it?
    As to young people moving for jobs. I would hope they all have the get up and go to see "the world" before settling down in the old home town. But I guess if you want your children to stay put you can be happy with them taking jobs at Mag Bay as house cleaners, pool boys/girls, grounds keepers etc. Or, in the case of the coal plant. Coal pushers, landscapers, front gate guards, or maybe some clerical job. Because you know as well as I that the top notch jobs will come from outside the county, or the plant would be operated by computer for various positions.
    To the person knowing where all the jobs went. Please inform us, that sounds interesting.
    Reply to this
    1. 6/22/2008 12:18 PM TaylorCountyCitizen wrote:
      How far inland would you see the development moved? The whole point is that people want to be close to the water. If the Reserve is moved too far away from it, people won't want to live there.

      I read in the newspaper that 85% of Taylor County's coast is owned by the state. This is land that will never be developed (or generate tax revenue). Personally, I can live with seeing the remaining 15% developed by the likes of Dr. Pruitt.

      As for municipal services like fire protection at the beaches... Well, how is it paid for anywhere else? By taxes. These services aren't in existence down there right now because they can't be justified based on the population. But as the population and tax base grows, the services can be provided.

      You're correct that many of the Reserve jobs will be service industry jobs. There's nothing wrong with that; plenty of people are willing to work those jobs. But the development would also have management and high-skill positions that will pay well.

      Even more importantly, it will spawn other good jobs. When the beach population grows, new employment opportunities will come. Maybe a school will need to be built down there, with teachers and administrators. Maybe a health clinic with doctors and nurses. Firefighters. Police officers. People to keep the computers and networks running. People to design and build the facilities. Perhaps a grocery store. The list goes on and on.
      Reply to this
  • 6/22/2008 11:46 AM T. Mac wrote:
    They are succeeding in running away the paper plant...Look at how many jobs that has been cut over the years at the plant...I believe that there was one time over 1100 employees at the plant now they hover around 600. There has been major improvements over the years and the plant has become as environmentally friendly as one can become with our technology. The USA technology is much more environmentally than other countries we stand a lot worse chance of experiencing pollution from countries such as China or from South America.

    If I remember correctly the county commission DID support industry. Not only was the County commission chastised but was not the planning board ??

    Taylor County has developed a anti-industry friendly reputation and no one will want to develop here.
    In response to your question...Tax dollars would pay for for all those firemen, equipment and possibly even newer schools.

    No I want better for my children as any parent does, but I also want to afford them the opportunity to stay here if they choose and have a decent paying job.
    Reply to this
  • 6/23/2008 7:31 PM Frustrated wrote:
    "So you want industry with good paying jobs". This seems to be the theme song of the county, but no one has itemized a listing of what that industry base should/could be.
    What type of jobs do you want your children to have that will keep them here?
    Now if I were looking to relocate my widget business that employed family oriented people, degree holders, and what the young people call "sophisticates" what would I see when searching for a spot to land on in Perry? (after getting past the stink from the papermill).
    The schools are adequate, that is very important to parents relocating, the restaurants are varied enough to please most, but not "high quality", the culture that these folks probably would be seeking is North by about 50 miles, except for the movie, which does have good ones. THe skate rink is available to youngsters. Shopping, well if you want more than K-mart, Wal-Mart you need to travel.
    There are many organizations that exist with-in the area so you may have community minded folks join. However don't bring any new ideas, your an outsider for ever.
    If you don't like to hunt or fish there isn't much else left. As to beaching it well, we do have a nice one for its size.
    Industry is welcome if it is CLEAN and POLLUTION free.
    Bring on the widget makers of the world, just convince Mr. Breer of that.
    Reply to this
    1. 6/24/2008 12:24 PM Skipper wrote:
      "Industry is welcome if it is CLEAN and POLLUTION free."

      Nothing in this world that is industry is clean and pollution free. Every business that I can think of gives off pollution so don't say that industry is welcome in it is clean and pollution free... then no one is welcome..

      As for the places to go...
      The skating rink is a piece of crap, students don't go there after they are 11... What does the teenagers do for fun...

      If industries were to come to Perry, we would grow and the kids of this town would have a CHOICE...
      That is all we are asking for...
      I don't give a damn if it is a job at another McDonalds, as long as the kids here in this town has a choice...
      Right now they don't there isn't enough jobs in Perry for them to stay...
      Not every student can go to college and get a degree to find a good job and be called "sophisticates"...
      So they need something else in order to make a living...

      Give our children choices and you might just get to have your children take care of you when you are too old to work... Im not saying I want all children to stay but I at least don't want to force them out and that is what we are doing right now..
      Reply to this
  • 6/24/2008 7:41 PM T. Mac wrote:
    Great post.....What they can not understand is any job is a good job if someone is willing to work it and become self sufficient!!
    Reply to this
    1. 6/26/2008 5:27 PM Skipper wrote:
      T.Mac... I agree...

      Many historical and famous philosophers have stated that happiness in life is feeling fulfillment in a life and feeling you have made a change...

      Working at a hotel or at a paper mill or even at Burger Kind might not be the best job that we can give our children... but, if these jobs are available and they can life a fulfilled life and support their family off the pay, then why not... as long as they are happy that his all that matters...

      I am not saying that any of your children are going to become millionaires, be able to buy anything they want in life or even be able to live without any worries... what I am saying is please just give the children of this community a choice... right now they have none... they are leaving because the town is boring and there is no improvement in sight... Bring in industry and everything will advance from economy down to the school systems...

      Growth brings growth and growth brings progress... Give that one some thought...
      Reply to this
  • 10/16/2008 4:43 PM Robbie wrote:
    I have witnessed first hand what the TCDA does. NOTHING...
    Reply to this
    1. 10/16/2008 5:16 PM Anonymous wrote:
      Jack Brown- are you out there? We know you read this site on a regular basis.

      Many different citizens have asked about the TCDA and Rick Breer.

      We have asked:

      What in the hell does he do for his money?

      What is the Taylor County plan?
      What is the budget?
      How is it used?
      Why does the TCDA web site look like a child designed it 5 years ago.
      To whom Does Breer report to.
      What is his job description?
      Who does his performance appraisals?
      Why has he not been terminated for incompetency?
      Please name ONE job the TCDA has created? Not Lance/Tom's they were already here?
      Why doesn't the TCDA generate grant money that is readily available?
      The citizens are getting really tired of all the county "leaders" that do nothing.
      You must see the storm that is building - we've sat passively long enough. The county is becoming even more a dead place and the butt of jokes all around the area and we're tired of it!

      Please, we want solid answers not political BS. You make enough money to take the time to help the citizens. So do your job!! That is all we're asking. Do your job.
      Reply to this
      1. 10/16/2008 6:59 PM TaylorCountyCitizen wrote:
        You ask some fair questions, but why ask them here? Why don't you e-mail Mr. Brown directly? The County's website lists his e-mail address as county.admin@taylorcountygov.com. I feel confident you'd get an answer, and of course that answer would be public record--so you'd be free to post it here for discussion.
        Reply to this
        1. 10/16/2008 9:49 PM Beliver wrote:
          Great suggestion TCC. Anonymous. Run, Pass or Punt!?
          Reply to this
          1. 10/17/2008 9:43 AM frustrated wrote:
            You are so right about the TCDA,
            The only thing they do is nothing!
            They tried to shove a coal plant down our throats with the promise of jobs, not worried about the pollution along with Buckeye. THe bombing range was really a great idea!!, and Mag Bay a real fiasco!!
            There have been many times the question was raised (by myself) why is he still here? No response. When a board member of TCDA was asked why was he hired, when he admitted he is not a city/county planner but a businessman. Their reply was he was the best (we felt) at the time for the job. (Don't come back saying we needed them. Not many if any folks from here would have seen a paycheck. Except maybe some who are already pulling in big bucks, and know what hand to shake.)
            I would love to have seen the other applications.

            Write your County COmm; email, go to a meeting-- They don't bite!! not hard anyway.
            One other note. I won't vote for Don Curtis, he was in bed with the bombing range, and those folks are in jail. I would not want to see what he would initiate for his district from Tallahassee. Mr Bembry at least may have an "environmental soul" and really stick to what he means.
            Reply to this
        2. 10/17/2008 9:28 AM Anonymous wrote:
          I've written him - there is power in numbers - not a solitary figure in the dark.
          Reply to this
          1. 10/17/2008 11:01 AM frustrated wrote:
            You are so right, Anonymous, the power is in numbers. SO -- I suggest that everyone reading this blog do the same if you are discussed with the way the TCDA operates.
            Then tell your friends and family to do the same. Perhaps something will be done if 100's of letters and emails start showing up in the Commissioners mailboxes.
            Reply to this
Leave a comment

 Enter the above security code (required)

 Name

 Email (will not be published)

 Website

Your comment is 0 characters limited to 3000 characters.