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Traditionally, there are two basic methods of
achieving revenue:
1)
Revenue generation at any or all cost.
2)
Managed revenue generation.
The “at any or all cost” method ignores any
adverse consequences as a sacrifice to generating revenue.. The
approach is risky, and said risks are ultimately attempted because
alternatives are not readily available. It is usually pursued under
challenging and compromised conditions, and is employed historically as a
last resort. Entities who utilize this approach can discover that the
losses incurred have more than erased the gains. Fairwinds is risky by
virtue of its large, multi-level impact. It is an example of a “revenue at
any and all cost” option. It has the potential be Harpswell’s worst
nightmare.
The “Managed Revenue” option, by contrast, is a
meticulous and methodical approach. Carefully planned, the risk of
loss is minimized because extreme measures with huge potential liabilities
are discarded in favor of more conservative, assured gains that carry
little to no risk of severe consequences.
There are alternatives to Fairwinds yet unexplored.
Fairwinds causes harm real and potential. Fishing families, abutters,
tourist-dependent businesses, and property owners along the Neck see
immediate financial losses correlated to Fairwinds construction and its
continued presence. The facility as a potential terrorist target, believed
or dismissed, is no less real. The future changes to the town’s character
are potentially dramatic. Fairwinds would represent an extreme measure by
a town that really doesn’t need to entertain such risky ventures. Taxes
in Harpswell are the lowest in Cumberland County, and Fairwinds might
actually raise them, after a short period of relief, to levels MUCH higher
than experienced today (look for evidence on this point to be forthcoming
soon).
If affordability of taxes is the main concern,
solving the shorefront property value issue for legacy homes is possible
without Fairwind’s influence. It can be done. There is sudden interest,
motivation and resolve from a heretofore-quiet section of the community.
They will get very involved.
There is no need to panic. Other positive solutions,
ideas and uses can be obtained for the depot site; ones that aren’t so
extreme; ones that everyone can agree on; ones where nobody
has to lose. There is time. Have patience.
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