LETTER: Let’s go get Amazon HQ2, but not leader’s politics

  • Comments
  • Print
Listen to this story

Subscriber Benefit

As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
This audio file is brought to you by
0:00
0:00
Loading audio file, please wait.
  • 0.25
  • 0.50
  • 0.75
  • 1.00
  • 1.25
  • 1.50
  • 1.75
  • 2.00

It’s good news that Indianapolis and Indiana are planning to compete for the second North American HQ for Amazon. 

Amazon appears to be the dominant, rising corporation into at least the next 10 years. Securing the HQ would be an apparent coup and it appears we have competent political and business leaders to pull it off if the costs aren’t too high.

I am not concerned necessarily about upfront incentive, infrastructural and other financial costs to secure this “big deal.” Amazon promises 50,000 “high-paid” jobs. We are well-positioned to deliver on whatever promises we make and we should be able to get all of our poker chips on the table. We must make sure Amazon will deliver as well and, beyond that, we must make sure we are dealing with honorable businesspeople.

Lastly, we don’t want a “left-wing” capitalist changing our culture. Jeff Bezos is as capitalistic with his own money as anyone else and is very successful. However, he is very “socialistic” with everyone else’s money—meaning yours and mine.

I’d like us to win this competition but only if Bezos’ word can be counted on. He will count on the various competing communities to fall all over themselves courting him and his company. They will have to dot every “I” and cross every “T”. If he doesn’t do the same, it’s time to walk away.

__________

John Sorg

Please enable JavaScript to view this content.

Story Continues Below

Editor's note: You can comment on IBJ stories by signing in to your IBJ account. If you have not registered, please sign up for a free account now. Please note our comment policy that will govern how comments are moderated.

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In