Intel Proposes 100 Billion Investment in Oregon

[Leisesturm]

Originally Posted by bler144

While I might agree with your sentiment, in this case AFAIK the abatement isn't on 'property tax' in the broadly used sense as much as it is 'excise tax.'

I stand willing to be corrected, but my understanding is the county is waiving a tax on equipment. As Nell said, we can debate whether the abatement or the tax structure is wise, but I don't really see a double standard in this particular instance.

Sure, you pay property tax on your house/condo, but your tax doesn't rise if you buy a new refrigerator.

I stand willing to be corrected as well. I as much as admitted that my knowledge of the facts is imperfect, however, the salient point is that a tax which could fairly be assessed and usually is is being waived for Intel. Why? My issue is the cheap land, the "commercial rates" for utilities, the tax incentives and other incentives that are given to business and then when revenue is not sufficient to have infrastructure up to First World standards or provide education to young people to First World standards or to provide mass transit for the masses to First World standards... .. well... I for one don't think legal weed and/or prostitution is very far off as Portland falls further and further in the hole and Intel will be well above the fray. Meanwhile Intel lobbies every day to hire more H1B's and when they finally get the quotas raised if you don't think there will be a bloodletting of American talent.. ... please excuse me I am going to go take several Tylenol... gah...

[skiffrace]

^^^
It's a race to the bottom my friend. As with the law, you may have the letter incorrect, but the spirit right-on.

A hypothetical 'discussion' between Washington County Representative "Vassal" and the Intel Executive "Suzerain"

Vassal: Sir, may I bring you something? a cup of coffee? A cookie? A comfort-girl?
Suzerain: my good man, don't speak so loud. If I want any of that, I'll just ask my personal assistant.
Vassal: Sir, I noticed the behind of your breeches is creased. May I flatten it with my lips?
Suzerain: My good man, while at it, here is some paper I need you to sign.
Vassal: What is it sir?
Suzerain: Don't aspire beyond your incapacious mental faculties, just sign it.
...[the sound of smooches and the pen dropping to the floor]
Suzerain: you clumsy redneck, let me see the paper...[crosses out the 25 an changes it to 30]

[Steve Pickering]

Every dollar waived must come from you and the rest of the citizenry, because the county will still spend the money. It just won't come from Intel.

[bler144]

Originally Posted by skiffrace

^^^
It's a race to the bottom my friend. As with the law, you may have the letter incorrect, but the spirit right-on.

That I do tend to agree with. As a general trend business, particularly large corporations, have figured out how to exert their leverage (not to mention their legal and accounting squads) to constantly turn the game to their advantage.

How you reverse that trend is vexing, particularly given the legal and public sentiment views that corporations are not only people, but greater than the sum of their constituents.