Businesses Don't Need the Competition!!!

[TLC528]

http://www.kpcnews.com/index.php?opt...rticle&id=6265

First my question is: Is this even a "legal" reason to decline? Quote “We have (food) businesses downtown that are struggling,” Mayor Dave Wiant said. “I’m not sure that competition is something they need, that’s my feeling.

I thought competition was the basis for capitalism and the foundation of the American economy.

[pixiegirl]

http://www.kpcnews.com/index.php?opt...rticle&id=6265

First my question is: Is this even a "legal" reason to decline? Quote “We have (food) businesses downtown that are struggling,” Mayor Dave Wiant said. “I’m not sure that competition is something they need, that’s my feeling.

I thought competition was the basis for capitalism and the foundation of the American economy.

It is the basis, however we are quickly spiraling into a socialist economy, so we don't dare have any competition, because in today's society EVERYONE should be a winner!!

[evilkumquat]

It is the basis, however we are quickly spiraling into a socialist economy, so we don't dare have any competition, because in today's society EVERYONE should be a winner!!

Please do explain how we are "spiraling" into a "socialist" economy?

I would love to hear the logic behind this, preferably backed up with specific examples and/or facts, and not just Tea Party rhetoric.

[evilkumquat]

http://www.kpcnews.com/index.php?opt...rticle&id=6265

First my question is: Is this even a "legal" reason to decline? Quote “We have (food) businesses downtown that are struggling,” Mayor Dave Wiant said. “I’m not sure that competition is something they need, that’s my feeling.

I thought competition was the basis for capitalism and the foundation of the American economy.

I have to agree. Denying them the necessary permits simply to protect struggling businesses seems to run counter to capitalist "ideals".

On the other hand, doesn't the city have the responsibility to protect merchants who are bringing in property tax dollars?

Isn't this one of the reasons business permits are required in the first place, to protect community interests? Otherwise, can't anyone stand on a street corner with sandwiches wrapped in plastic and call themselves a restaurant?

However, if the hot dog cart people followed all the established, necessary steps to sell their wares, the city should have no legal recourse to deny them.

[TLC528]

I have to agree. Denying them the necessary permits simply to protect struggling businesses seems to run counter to capitalist "ideals".

On the other hand, doesn't the city have the responsibility to protect merchants who are bringing in property tax dollars?

Isn't this one of the reasons business permits are required in the first place, to protect community interests? Otherwise, can't anyone stand on a street corner with sandwiches wrapped in plastic and call themselves a restaurant?

However, if the hot dog cart people followed all the established, necessary steps to sell their wares, the city should have no legal recourse to deny them.

Evil, I have talked to multiple people about this issue, and like you they seem torn, (hopefully not putting words in your mouth) meaning they see two sides to this. I do understand both sides of the coin, but ultimately I keep reverting back to competition being the basis of our economy. I do NOT want to see any business leave our community, at the same time I don't want to start drawing lines in the snad on who can and cannot operate their business. The hot dog cart is not a brick and mortor business yet neither are Amway, Schwann, Avon and the list goes on. Yes larger versions yet the same concept.

[evilkumquat]

Evil, I have talked to multiple people about this issue, and like you they seem torn, (hopefully not putting words in your mouth) meaning they see two sides to this. I do understand both sides of the coin, but ultimately I keep reverting back to competition being the basis of our economy. I do NOT want to see any business leave our community, at the same time I don't want to start drawing lines in the snad on who can and cannot operate their business. The hot dog cart is not a brick and mortor business yet neither are Amway, Schwann, Avon and the list goes on. Yes larger versions yet the same concept.

I do see both sides, so for me it comes down to "what does the law say?"

If the hot dog people filed all the necessary paperwork and meet all the established requirements, the city has no legal standing to deny them their request. If the city still denies them, I hope Auburn gets its pants sued off.

If the hot dog people are subject to the whim of the city officials who have legal carte blanc discretion in matters such as this, then the hot dog people are S.O.L. and should petition a change in the city ordinance to clarify such matters in the future.

I do have strong feelings in this. I have seen how the capricious nature of many of the "good ol' boy" officials in Northeast Indiana can hurt not only those who seek permits, but also the cities themselves; when certain officials arbitrarily block permit-seekers due to personal biases with no legal backing, they leave the cities wide open to lawsuits.

[Chiguy65]

I wonder, the hot dog guy, who lives in Auburn and has wonderful food, I think that the problem is he is not from Garrett. I would think that if the ice cream trucks can cruise the streets, then the hot dog man should be able to sell his hot dogs on Wendesday uptown. He runs a fit ship, and cleans up after himself. Come over to Auburn Tuesday and Thursday from 11-2pm and try it out...