Don’t give Sears sweetheart deal

Sears has been threatening to leave Illinois unless they get their way: continued access to public infrastructure and resources (compliments of taxpayers) along with an extension of their current package of tax breaks.

On Nov. 10, a Daily Herald article on this subject quoted Illinois Rep. Sandy Cole, who said, “We wouldn’t be needing these deals if we were more competitive with all the other states,” suggesting that in general we need to expand and make permanent the policies that cater to big business.

Perhaps they’re betting that the ordinary citizen doesn’t read the headlines of the business press. For example, the front page of Crain’s on Oct. 15 declared, “Illinois’ Business Climate Outshines Its Neighbors’.” It explains that Illinois already offers the best deal to those looking to do business in the region. It has the largest and best educated workforce, the largest market for consumer goods, the highest density of other businesses (potential customers and/or suppliers), and the best transportation nexus.

Corporations like Sears and their lapdogs in the General Assembly must be aware of this reality. Their cynical rhetoric is simply a means of achieving sweetheart deals for themselves at our expense. Don’t let them have the last laugh. Cut their game short.

Buddy Bell

Wood Dale