Mith242, on Feb 27 2007, 07:07 PM, said:
Oh yeah we should all give a big thanks to Memphis and it's total lack of support for this plant. I think this could have had an impact on Memphis even though this was across the river. I hope everyone in Arkansas remembers this when Memphis wants some extra support for something.
Arkansas needs to remember that one of the reasons that Marion was in the running originally (back when it went to San Antonio) was the assistance the Memphis metro chamber provided them. This round was more difficult for public politicking b/c of the location of the competition. Make no question everyone in Memphis knows the benefit that a Marion plant would have on the city. The issue is state politics, and I think that the Arkansas politicos understand the bind that Memphis state and below politicians were in. It's also important to note that the US congressman from Memphis lobbied hard for the Marion plant (Steve Cohen). But to say there was a total lack of support from Memphis is devoid of facts. There was a lack of public political support THIS round, yes. Of course I'd like to have seen everyone publicly lobby for it, but I think 1) they were working behind the scenes; and 2) they were in a difficult political game with the rest of the state. But for a very long time Memphis has been anchoring that part of Arkansas, holding it up when the state was ignoring it. I hope everyone in Arkansas remembers that fact as well.
The bottom line is I agree there needs to be more cooperation among the tri-state region. Mississippi is starting to boost its end. I'd like to see the Eastern Ark side of the region boom equally as well. Projects in Marion, Blytheville, Jonesboro, etc. That would be a win-win for everyone, and perhaps trigger another river bridge, maybe link that area to Memphis more.
Mith242, on Feb 27 2007, 07:04 PM, said:
No offense, but I think those people have to be crazy. I don't think any area of eastern Arkansas needs to pass up jobs. I think a big plant like that would generate a lot more than just the plant itself. I think you'd see more businesses/retail and such pop up as well. I admit I'm not expert on Marion and don't mean to belittle your opinion but it just seems to me Marion is not in a position to easily give up on jobs.
Agreed. It's not thriving by any sense of the imagination. It's growing, and that's great, but I'm glad that the political leaders aren't following that mindset and getting complacent and self-satisfied.
mcheiss, on Feb 27 2007, 04:40 PM, said:
I've also heard that Alabama and Florida helped Mississippi get the plant. Mark Pryor was pretty mad at Tenessee for not helping Arkansas land the plant.
Why would Tennessee help Arkansas over their own city? I'm sure Tennessee would reap benefits from either a Marion or a Tupelo site. But that's idiotic to get up in arms over a state deciding to help its own city over another state. What's the logic behind that emotion?
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