Government “Favors”
I made this address to the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners, 6 Dec 11, at a hearing to grant a tax exemption to a pharmaceutical firm for five years in accordance with CH 196 of the Florida Statutes. I was the only one to speak against the measure.
“Thank you, gentlemen, for allowing me this opportunity to speak.
At first glance, many accept the idea of preferential tax breaks.
On the surface, it looks like a good idea. As Mr. Sassano said earlier, this idea has been around for 40 years.
Let us be clear. What the county is proposing is not the free market.
This board is saying it can chose winners and losers in business.
It is not the role of government to own businesses or to grant favors.
You can make the argument that this action brings jobs to Okaloosa.
Who argues for those who are now at a tax disadvantage and will lose jobs, such as the independent businessman, the entrepreneur who takes risks, and the hundreds of other businesses that don’t get a tax break? Slowly, but surely, they are made poorer and less able to control their own lives.
What are they to do? Curry favor with this Board to get special favors too?
Better to cut taxes and spending for everyone than to engage in this fundamentally bad habit of government in the USA today.
Thank you.”
The tax exemption passed unanimously.
Pete Blome,
Chair, Libertarian Party of Okaloosa County
