Don’t give Amazon a special deal
Regarding Mark Kennedy’s piece (May 15), “Amazon issue is tying me in knots,” I agree that honesty is the number one virtue one can possess.
So let’s point out some honest facts surrounding Amazon’s efforts to build distribution centers in Hamilton and Bradley counties.
Giving an extraordinary deal to Amazon will put hundreds of thousands of Main Street jobs at risk. Amazon claims it does not do business in the Volunteer State, even though facilities are under construction and future employees are being hired. Clearly this constitutes a physical presence, which determines if a business must collect and remit sales tax.
Amazon didn’t shake hands with state legislative leaders when they made their deal. Last week before a legislative committee, Amazon officials couldn’t say exactly how the deal was struck. Is that the way the state should do business?