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Re: Grant right step.
It is a step alright, but it is a slippery slope. Funding private business with public funds, is not unprecedented, but it is wrong.
If it is an "investment" then where is the return? Why not at least ask for an ownership percentage equivalent to the investment?
Loan guarantees with city, county, state or even federal backing, have the same economic impact, but hold the borrower to a high standard.
Start ups are rarely even considered.
Take the $600k and divide it amongst 175 local residents who are current in taxes and tickets and tell them they have to go spend it in Muskogee. Cut out the middle man and save the cost of a stamp to send the money somewhere else.
DAN MORRIS
Fort Gibson
