By FITSNews || A politically-connected company that’s asking South Carolinians to fork over $130 million in tax credits for a “mega-mall” in Jasper County is preparing to “get rough” with its opponents, sources tell FITS.
The Sembler Company – founded by GOP heavyweight and former U.S. Ambassador Mel Sembler - has already shelled out thousands of dollars in South Carolina on lobbyists and political consultants, some of whom are reportedly preparing to flex their muscle in pursuit of the company’s coveted mega-mall tax credits.
Who, exactly, is Sembler said to be targeting?
“Select politicians and new media outlets,” we were told by a source close to the company’s S.C. “brain trust,” which as far as we can tell consists of a bunch of big government RINOs.
Hmmm … in addition to our coverage of this proposed boondoggle, reporters at the S.C. Policy Council website The Nerve have written extensively on the company and its sketchy business dealings.
As for politicians, S.C. Sen. Greg Ryberg has been leading the fight against the Sembler tax credit package.
If true, this sort of bullying approach would be too bad … as we welcome Sembler’s interest in investing in South Carolina (minus the ridiculously-high and totally unjustifiable $130 million in tax credits, obviously).
Also, it’s too bad they didn’t get the memo about how to receive good press on FITS …
UPDATE: Oddly enough, Sembler isn’t targeting South Carolina’s environmental groups, which have been uncharacteristically quiet in opposing this development deal. We’ve got a theory on that we look forward to sharing soon …
UPDATE II: FYI, anybody looking to “get rough” with us has to go through that fat dude in the maroon fleece first …
By Crash January 21, 2010 at 2:57 pm
Will, You continue to spew the same stuff as the new site The Nerve. Keep to the insider political gossip that we read your site for and not what we can all read over on The Nerve.
By Christopher Gustavus Memminger January 21, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Uncharacteristically quiet?
http://coastalconservationleague.org/mega-mall-on-the-okatie/
The picture they have looks a lot like the one you regularly use….
By Josh Martin January 21, 2010 at 3:13 pm
I am absolutely stunned that this state would even consider giving a $100.00 tax break to an upscale outlet mall—how is this sustainable economic development? How does this planned development foster an integrated approach to Econ Development? Moreover, has the government, business, education, and the community should work together to create a vibrant local economy, thorough a long term investment strategy that: encourages local enterprise, serves the needs of local residents, workers, and businesses, promotes STABLE employment and revenues by building on local competitive advantages, protects the natural environment, increases social equity, and also is capable of succeeding in a global marketplace. Does the proposed Sembler plan meet this test?? No.
A couple of other thoughts:
what is community’s vision for ED—how does this plan implement this vision?
How does this plan reduce poverty? Does it improve the skills of low-income individuals, addressing the needs for families to move off welfare—provide affordable child care, transportation, housing?
How does this development support existing enterprises as the best source of business expansion and local job growth? Is the community promoting local entrepreneurship to build locally based industries and businesses that can succeed among national and international competitors??? A mall in my opinion does not achieve this. Again, why are we proposing to build something that is CLOSING everywhere else?
What are the gaps and niches that Hardeeville can fill in terms of industry clusters??
What are the long-term (VERY IMPORTANT TO STRESS) benefits and impacts on the WHOLE COMMUNITY—not just a short-term job or revenue increases—public investments and subsidies should be equitable and targeted, support environmental and social goals, AND prioritize infrastructure and supportive services that promote the vitality of ALL local enterprises, instead of individual firms/users
How does this development provide life-long skills and learning opportunities via excellent schools/post-secondary institution/continuing education and training available to all?
How does this development maintain or improve the environment and public health?
How will the enterprises that are created via this development work as civic partners—contributing to communities and regions where they operate, protect environment, good pay, opportunities for upward mobility, etc
How does this development exemplify compact settlement patterns—new development should take place in existing urban, suburban, and rural areas before using more open space—again, you know that I am a strong proponent of local policies that address the retrofit of the aforementioned areas.
how will this development reinforce the land use patterns that are multi-dimensional (ensure a mix of uses, minimize the impact of cars, promote walking, bicycling, transit, etc)?
What will be the focus of this proposed development?
How will this development have a DISTINCT identity?
How will this development cooperate to create regional structures that promote a coherent metro whole that respects local character and identity?
I am all for economic development but I am NOT for using economic development to justify SPRAWL. It is a TRUE TRAGEDY that our tax dollars are being used to pay state officials/legislators to determine whether an “upscale outlet mall” meets the aforementioned litmus test!!!! Moreover, a while back I saw this being compared to BOEING in Charleston—seriously, get a grip.
Josh Martin
By Marvin January 21, 2010 at 11:45 pm
Crash: I think Sic did, in fact, give us some political insider gossip. He’s good like that. And frankly, I like that FITS, The Nerve and other sites are all finally talking about this stuff, giving different spins on the same problem. That’s how this information gets out there. Keep it us, Sic.
As for this ridiculous retail mall, just another example of the “haves” taking from the “have nots.” We simply can’t afford to subsidize businesses, and we’ll never have enough money to keep paying them to come here. Politicians are going to keep on giving our money to companies that hire lobbyists and consultants until we tell them to stop. That simple.
By Old Bike Dude January 22, 2010 at 8:30 am
Josh, my man. Good post, lots of info, heartfelt expession, but sadly exceeds the 4 line standard of American grasp. Short is good. ie
“130 million…for Jasper… are you fucking crazy”?
By Just a thought January 22, 2010 at 9:16 am
AMEN… FITS is the bomb …
in any event its better then the ‘Newsless courier, Post and Tickle’ in Charleston
By Just a good ole boy January 22, 2010 at 12:15 pm
A few thoughts, Josh you raised some very good ideas and points; however by the end I felt like I was reading democrat whining, think about the joke of how can you tell the difference between a democrat, a republican and a southerner…Just a thought–the News and Courier was last revelant in 1860…Old Biker Dude–most of this state not only agrees with you but probably couldn’t find Jasper with a compass, a map and google earth…