Preserving The American Political Philosophy

The uncertain intent of coronavirus relief. Did it target the wrong objective? Photo by  David Schultz  on  Unsplash Update: After being told that working with independent contractors does not qualify for the Small Business relief loans, I did my own research and found different information on National Law Review- but I don't have time to rewrite this blog post now: To determine a small business’s eligibility, the CARES Act would require lenders to determine: (1) whether a business was operational on February 15, 2020, and (2) whether the business had employees for whom it paid salaries and payroll taxes, or paid independent contractors, and (3) whether the business has been substantially impacted by COVID-19. The legislation would also delegate more authority to lenders on eligibility determinations without requiring them to go through all of the usual SBA channels.  National Law Review In my last post, Economic Complexity Theory in the Time of Coronavir...

Vintage 1950's decanters designed in form and glaze by Weston Neil Andersen  The Comment presented further down, has been deleted twice from the Boothbay Register Discussion about the JECD,  It is my view of the JECD that it is just an arm of Maine central management of our economy which operates in the "high value industry" paradigm, which Senator Rubio discusses in his report,   American Investment in the 21st Century . I was already aware that some industries are targeted and subsidized by central management and other industries devalued from my research on the Maine economic development statutes, incrementally put into place since the Longley administration Go to Repor t In my opinion it would be good thing for the Boothbay Peninsula if there were a place for the small entrepreneurial community to connect but currently I have not found that to be so. Therefore, I introduced my own economic development vision to the larger community in this post (bel...

The season for electing town selectmen is underway locally. I live in Boothbay but since a public private economic development group (JECD) has been implemented on the peninsula which finances itself by taxing both municipalities, it is fair game to ask questions of candidates for Boothbay Harbor selectmen announcing their candidacy in letters to the editor of the Boothbay Register. I started writing this blog back around 2007 because I observed that in the Maine media, economic development policy is reported propaganda style, one point of view presented, almost exclusively of all others. This media policy extends to major politically transformational economic development acts of legislation, or better said, the failure to publish stories and information before and after such acts are passed. The Industrial Partnerships Act of 2013 , is an arguably totalitarian measure which threatens to solidify the central management of everything in Maine by the public-private state. Shortly aft...

Quote from the Camoin Report,  Economic Development Master Plan: Boothbay Region, Maine (Towns of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Southport and Edgecomb) Economic Development Action Plan Matrix   Objectives in the Action Plan Matrix are intended to address change and leverage the Boothbay Region’s assets to best meet future needs while reflecting community values. Strategies were derived from data analysis, stakeholder interviews, the work session, research, and review of previous planning documents. When applicable initiatives build upon actions that are currently underway or have been suggested previously as part of prior planning efforts, while other initiatives focus on economic development best practices and an understanding of the issues facing the region and individual communities. The actions within the Economic Development Action Plan encourage a cooperative approach to regional economic development, to foster an environment that is welcoming, creative, e...

In a recent story, by Boothbay Register journalist, Joseph Charpentier, titled  JEDC broadens discussion on master plan , Wendy Wolf, co-chair of the JECD is reported as describing the discussion as "as a long overdue, interesting discussion on economic development and where the two towns stand on it:" As always, first on the agenda are financial matters of great concern to the JECD. It is mentioned that representatives of Southport and Edgecomb sit in on the meetings, hinting with an uncharacteristic subtlety that Southport and Edgecomb ought to be paying the JECD for their services, which consists of holding interesting discussions and hiring consultants and promoting Boothbay Harbor as a "Festival of Lights" in conjunction with the lighting event at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Last year the taxpayers of Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor paid $79000.00 to the JECD which bought  a regional report produced by Camoin Associates . The interesting discussion makes...