If coincidences are just coincidences, then why do they seem so contrived?
UrbanTools has always had great faith in the power of free markets and reasoned choice. Yet, we’ve always had great faith in the need for the public to keep its eye on those that are elected to be our servants.
Case in point: the city of Detroit. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) recently made a pledge committing to 5000 jobs in a new assembly plant in Detroit. 2 1/2 billion dollars will be spent on the site. This sounds terrific!
However, when one reads the phrase “win-win,” or “good faith effort” it’s time to check your wallet. Then it’s time to look at the land. The land surrounding the project included a couple of vacant and contaminated lots.
The purchaser is a longtime contributor to Mayor Duggan of Detroit. He paid $60,000 for the lots, JUST before the agreement with FCA was announced. After the announcement, the land was “swapped” for 72 acres of pristine land in a much more desirable area. That’s not all!
Another “investor” will receive $43.5 million in cash and 117 acres of land in exchange for 82 acres of land. This is yet another warning that when it comes to the possibilities of corrupt behavior at any level of government, look to the land. They ain’t making any more of it .