The other day there was a flyer in my mailbox that explained the benefits of the Netook development: $17.3 million in taxes for the county in 20 years, from an industrial park and a 671-unit housing development. That is not much; on the contrary, 671 acreages sold in the county would bring approximately $25 million in taxes without the industrial park. Six hundred and seventy-one acreages sold countywide would spread the income among many farmers who often need that extra cash to keep on farming. Acreages also have a beneficial effect due to the high numbers of trees that are planted.It remains to be seen if approximately 1,500 so-called urban voters are of benefit to the farming community in future municipal elections.Before the county grants permits for the Netook development they should require the developers to have bonds in place that ensure the completion of the roads, waterworks, parks, playgrounds and sound barriers that will be demanded by the residents due to the closeness of Highway 2.To ensure success in the industrial park it would be helpful if wages paid there were on parity with other producing nations. After all, they have to compete with products that are “made in China.”If the oil and gas industry declines, the housing market will go down with it, due to industry workers moving away. The $17.3-million or $25-million tax takes will then be remembered as a pipe dream.Henry KuelkerP.S. Used to smoke a pipe. Gave it up, but still dream sometimes.
