In a recent “My Turn” column, Ron Nilson decided to take on LCDC, pointing out everything that he thinks is wrong with the only economic tool available to local municipalities in order to compete to attract and develop jobs to stimulate the economy.

However, most surprising was Mr. Nilson’s lack of transparency concerning the economic tools that he has utilized for purposes of expanding his own business, Groundforce Manufacturing in Post Falls. While I am a strong advocate for creating jobs, especially good paying jobs, Mr. Nilson forgot to share with the readers that the city of Post Falls received a $500,000 grant specifically to assist Mr. Nilson in developing important infrastructure like water, sewer, curbs, etc. While Mr. Nilson is known for his altruism, he is also a smart businessman who took full advantage of public dollars to help pay for the expansion of his business.

I write this letter to point out Mr. Nilson’s apparent hypocrisy. He strongly admonishes the use of Urban Renewal and LCDC funds, yet extends his hand for similar Urban Development Action Grants from the State and Federal government.

I believe that Mr. Nilson intentionally failed to share this select bit of information for the sole purpose of assisting Mary Souza in her vicious attack against LCDC and those who have used similar tools. I am a proponent of economic incentives created to help businesses grow, expand and compete; as Mr. Nilson, and the LCDC accomplishes that.

Replacing an abandoned industrial site, the entire Riverstone complex has helped to make the Coeur d’Alene area a better place, creating more than 900 new jobs, that would simply not exist without the initial public infrastructure help given by urban renewal.

JOHN STONE

Coeur d’Alene