Posted by goodoleboy (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 1:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Simply amazing, money talks, too bad the other businesses did not get the handouts given to Lowes

Posted by booker5m (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 6:08 a.m.

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Posted by booker5m (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 6:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Recall time for all the commissioners.More welfare for big business. Lowes can afford to spend millions on NASCAR why do we have to pay to have them come to town?

Posted by vankamp (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 7:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not surprised. I am embarrassed to say I voted for 2 of the commissioners and those 2 clearly went to the meeting with ther minds made up. Next election I will be voting for Julie Johnson. She was the only one that seemed to take this seriously.

Posted by batbatly (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is great news. The fact that the developer was given the TIF district status is not as big a deal as some people are making it out to be. It's called capitalism, and in these sparse economic times, you all should be grateful ANY business is willing to take a chance on coming to Emporia. TIF districts happen everywhere, not just in Emporia, and they are a fantastic way of bringing in new businesses. As the child of an economic developer for a city in Kansas, I know TIF districts are not a bad thing. AND, for you people complaining that this development will hurt the local business (which I don't think it will), if it does, so what? Again, it's called capitalism.

As a young person (under 30) living in Emporia, I think it's about time this city did something to improve the quality of life in this town. When this Lowe's gets built and the ajoining restaurants and shops follow, I bet most of the people complaining here are some of the first to walk through the doors to patronize those places. Hypocrits.

My only question is: When does construction start?

Posted by create (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

" if it does, so what?" That's a helluva cavalier tone to take against businesses that have been here in Emporia longer than you have been alive, young person. It's easy to see that your flippant attitude about wanting more, more, more offers no thought whatsoever about these long-time businessmen who have built their businesses without TIF supports, paid their taxes during good times and bad, and now must shoulder the burden of insult heaped upon them by their own city commissioners.

I know who I'll be voting for. Julie Johnson and no one else. Vote the bums out.

Posted by batbatly (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Create:

I'm sorry, all I read in your post was, "Blah, blah, blah, I'm an old codger who can't accept change, you young whippersnapper."

For these "long-time businessmen" who have been here "forever," if they are any good, they'll figure out a way to stay in business. Instead of crying about how unfair this is, they'll go about their business by offering better service and friendlier attitudes, and they'll survive even if they can't exactly match the lower prices of these bigger businesses. People will still buy from local stores if they offer the intangibles that you can't get at the national stores. It's called having a little bit of business acumen.

Posted by madpoet (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My understanding is that the majority of the people who attended the meeting last night were against it. Yet all but one commissioner voted for it?! I thought we had a representative form of government and our officials were supposed to reflect the wishes of their constituents. Do they truly believe they know better than the majority of the town? How patronizing! We have so many vacant, developed properties that could be used yet they want to go against the planning commission and the wishes of the citizens of Emporia and go ahead anyway. The commissioners made such GREAT choices in the new city manager and police chief that of course they know best. Give me a break. I live outside the city limits so unfortunately can't vote the bums out myself. I applaud Julie Johnson for standing up for what she felt was right. And giving incentives to a new store and not to established ones of the same type is not capitalism, it's favoritism.

Posted by momus (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How exactly is handing a corporation a tax hand out "capitalism"? If it was truly capitalism, they would not need a tax hand out, correct?

Posted by joejoe2 (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 9:18 a.m.

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Posted by trainrech (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

madpoet - since when do 5-10 in a town of over 25,000 speaking against a proposal constitute a majority?

Posted by trainrech (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 9:23 a.m.

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Posted by supernanny (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

batbatly I agree completely with what you said! I also am in the 30 yr old range, and plan on living in Emporia for a very long long time. I am happy to see new business coming into town! It is about time!

Posted by tosie (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

batbatly - people like you are the problem - you don't have a clue what you are talking about. Amen create......

Posted by trainrech (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tosie - in what way does batbatly now know what he/she is talking about? How is he/she the "problem" as you suggest?

Posted by Observation (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am surprised at create being against government giving handouts.

Posted by slvrnblck (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Do any of you realize that the TIF and TDD is not an incentive for Lowes other than the development of the property?

Lowes still has to pay their taxes. All the TIF does is reroute their property taxes to help repay the costs of improving the streets and drainage etc. Lowes gets no benefit. And actually they are at a disadvantage because they will have a 1% higher sales tax in their store to help pay for this development. So, you can go to Sutherlands and pay for a product and pay 7.8% or you can go to Lowes and pay 8.8% sales tax.

If you were at the meeting you would realize that the majority of the people there who were opposed to Lowes coming in were in groups. Sutherland had 5-6 people their, True Value had a couple etc etc. Furthermore, if you had listened to our commissioners they stated that the majority of input that they have received from people was in favor of the new development.

Posted by justthefacts (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm well over 30 and I agree with batbatly. Create, since your entire livelyhood depended on taxes (most of my city property tax for eduction to be exact) how can you fault the reinvestment of tax monies for infrastructure we will all use, IE street improvements, water/sewer, that will serve that entire area with the extension?

Lowe's is imposing an additional 1 cent tax on their sales. Seems that ought to level the playing field for the "oldtimers." Modern marketing is all about catering to what people want. Change or die is the mantra that has been in the business community. How many of you still drive Edsels or have purchased a brand new Oldsmobile lately? Brands and products come and go. These types of stores wouldn't exist if people didn't go there. I suspect that the majority of people who don't make spectacles of themselves in public probably did support the project. I do. With the exception of Sutherlands, I'll still shop the local hardware stores because they offer good service and follow up. Big ticket items that I can't find here or that can't meet the price categories will go to Lowes. I'm impressed with all the commissioners and their willingness to govern. They all will have my vote the next time around. Shame on you who hide behind a cloak of anonymous terseness and throw stones. Contact them directly or vote at the ballot box. I suspect that if they decide all the grief is worth it and run again, they will all get elected again because they had the guts to stand by their guns.

Posted by batbatly (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No tosie, it's you and people like you and create who are the problem. You haven't educated yourself on what TIF districts actually entail, and instead, you assume that it is some big government kick-back program designed to give companies unfair advantages in the market. That's not true. Slvrnblck described it best above: "All the TIF does is reroute their property taxes to help repay the costs of improving the streets and drainage etc. Lowes gets no benefit."

It's amazing. Some people are so against change that they don't educate themselves on the issues and instead argue for these allusions of problems that they've created in their heads. Then, when someone young like me suggests change, you blame me for being the problem because my views are different from yours.

Posted by jc1968 (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This blog is the clasic example of what is wrong with Emporia. When I moved hear 18 years ago Emporia was a progressive town with a lot going on. It was a destination point for surrounding counties.

Wake up emporia. This develepment will bring people into town. While they are hear they will eat at our resturants, buy gas at our gas stations and patronize our other businesses.

The Tif is no diffrent than a special tax placed on residential developments to help pay for sidewalks and infrastructer.

I commend the commission for their insite and not listening to the vocal minority at the meeting last night and for once doing what is right for the city of Emporia and not for just a few.

Posted by Maximus (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you to the Commissioners for voting YES to this much-needed development! In a few years all of you nay-sayers will look back and realize that you were wrong. Four commissioners have my vote for re-election, one doesn't.

Posted by create (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey batbatly, if Lowe's is so great, why do they need a tax handout? Others located in this town without it. To use your own idea, if Lowe's is any good, they'll figure out a way to build here.

I agree with madpoet, giving a TIF to Lowe's and not the others is not capitalism, it's favoritism. We still have many empty buildings in town. Now that the TIF door is open, maybe others will come for a helping of Emporia's generosity.

There are no ILLUSIONS here, many of us have done the research and found what has happened in other areas. But, let it all go now. You people who wanted to go shopping at Lowe's got your heart's desire. Now we wait and see.

Posted by tosie (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm all for change - good change - in a different location. This is not an appropriate location. There are plenty of places to put businesses, not in people's back yards or in a high traffic area that already has issues. Like create said - you got your way, enjoy.

Posted by jackslap (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Heck ya...... Maybe Jimmy Johnson will come to town..... 48 in 08.......

Posted by rcakmon (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The "bums" you want to vote out are interested in moving Emporia forward. This will bring more people to Emporia to shop and eat...and they won't just go to Lowe's. Other businesses in the area and even downtown will benefit. Congrats to the commissioners for doing what is right for Emporia and not caving in to the "no change" crowd.

Posted by momus (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What are people basing the "it will bring more people to town" on? The research I've seen says that shopping habits, from a city purchasing standpoint, will remain virtually the same. What will change is where people spend there money in Emporia. There is a difference between being progressive and doing something that two studies (one of which cost us $70,000) told us specifically not to do. The same line that exists between bravery and stupidity exists between progressive behavior and what we just did.

Posted by notasheeple (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well in the good old fashion of the gazette here is a wiki-definition.
The part that gets me and from what I can remember of what another post pointed out. But I can’t fiend that post unless I go back to the teletype era and send a message of distress to retrieve it. “TIF is designed to channel funding toward improvements in distressed or underdeveloped areas where development would not otherwise occur.” Now again teletype-ing hold on… getting it….. “The owner said that they were going to put houses there if not this building” ?What was said?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_increme...

Ok.. Back to the new era

Grrr.. Is this the right Bill?
http://www.cdfa.net/cdfa/cdfaweb.nsf/fba...

http://thekansascitypost.com/2007/11/no-...

Type in ( tif laws )
http://www.bizjournals.com/search/result...

This ones from 2003 so I don’t know if it is fixed yet.
http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/st...

As for KC.. The downtown area needed redeveloped it had a lot of Distressed property and still does.

I am hoping that the gazette is looking into a new and improved audio system for there videos, and I am hopeful that there is something being published that shows the results of having a tif on a new development from other communities of the same general size.

Posted by USNretired (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The main problem I see is the location.

Posted by slvrnblck (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

create--

Please try and follow....the TIF and the TDD do not benefit Lowes. Lowes does not get favorable treatment. You could very easily make an argument that they are on the short end of the stick because they will have a higher sales tax in their store than other stores.

The TIF reroutes the property taxes that Lowes pays to help pay for the costs of the street improvments. Lowes still pays the full amount of taxes that they would anywhere else AND they have to deal with higher sales tax.

Momus--

It has been documented that 15 million in receipts from Emporia and surrounding zip codes are spent at home improvement stores outside of Emporia. That means that if all that adding Lowes to Emporia does is get that 15 million back, Emporia will be in a far better place.

Posted by notasheeple (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

slvrnblck... If your going to put something out there as Documented where the Document in your comment?

Posted by Joe (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you to the city commissioners that voted for the proposal. Thank you for having the vision to look to the future and help Emporia grow. To those businesses that directly compete with this development, I say this, I have shopped at your stores in the past and will continue to support you in the future. You will not lose my business due to this development. We needed this proposal for the good of Emporia. Commissioners, please keep working hard to make Emporia better. Thank you!

Posted by rmills2008 (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John F. Kennedy said and i quote: Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. Thanks to all the city commisioners who have decided to follow the advice of our 35th President and create new change that will lead to major growth for our economy, create new jobs and a better quality of life with more choices for our children and there children! Great job you guys!

Posted by create (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

slvrnblk --
So what if Lowe's has to deal with higher sales tax. Poor poverty-stricken Lowes, taking all the business away from others, making all that money AND having to pay more sales tax than anybody else. Awwww. No, you please try and follow.

So you think Emporia may recoup some of those millions being spent out of town at Lowe's. People don't go to Topeka just to go to Lowe's and come back home. They go for the other attractions like Chili's or Red Lobster or Olive Gardens or Old Navy or Target or Sam's or... But of course, we've got all those here, don't we?

Posted by momus (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Slvrnblk

Documented where? Can I have a copy of the document?

Posted by zeepmonk (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Finally a decent home improvement store is coming to emporia. They will certainly have all my business.

And I look forward to the Chilie's/Redlobster type of resturants that a Lowes attacts.

Posted by bdprotheroe (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Perhaps it is time for Emporians to reconsider a city commission that is divided by districts, not at-large as it currently stands.

Commissioners representing different areas of the city might not have voted in favor of this proposal had Mark II Lumber or Waters Hardware been in their district. Along the same line of thinking, a commissioner representing the eastern edge of Emporia near I-35 and Burlingame Road might have had a dissenting vote about this proposal since that area of towns needs an economic boost.

Equal representation.

Posted by hickory (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I know of 2 commissioners that live directly north of this site and they had concerns about it too, especially if industrial is extended to 30th in the future, which is very likely to happen. But yet, they are concerned about the growth of Emporia and voted for it. I applaud them. Like Jeff Longbine said, our tax receipts are higher, but are they actually keeping up with inflation? Those of you who are against it, must not realize that a sales tax, is what keeps services that you all want. Do you all have another plan to keep all these services, if our sales tax receipts don't increase? If you would look at the plat they had at the meeting last night, you'd see that this project ISN'T in someone's back yard, like everyone thinks.

Posted by landinkansas (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't personally like the location selected (It's to nice to waste on a store) but I do really like the idea of having a LOWE'S locally. Excellent store. We are building a new home in Emporia in a couple years. It'll be nice to have a LOWE'S close by.

I know many of you don't like it, but the commissioners made the right business decision for Emporia & the area. It's a great step foreword.

Posted by Free4all (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am happy for the fact that other businesses will follow, Plus even with the other lumber yards I still go out of town for big buys due to variety and the biggest factor is customer service which alot of places here have pushed to the side. I can remember living in Topeka and the same argument was being made about wanamaker road when they wanted to put a mall outthere. EVERYONE hated it, but now the property is worth $$$$ and business out there is booming bringing in lots of money in retail sales. Drive along there and you will see mom and pop shops along with them and doing just fine.

Posted by shadou (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TIF means that the increment of taxes that are collected by an entity (Lowe's, in this case) will be used specifically to pay for the infrastructure improvements to the area so designated. In other words, if someone purchases something from Mark II then the taxes that are paid on the purchase will go into the general city coffers to take care of streets and other capital improvements for the ENTIRE city. But if that person decides to go to Lowe's, the taxes paid will only benefit that specific tax district. None of the designated taxes will go to the rest of the city.

(If this is incorrect, perhaps now that the Commission has already entered the contract Mr. Longbine or Mr. Christie will explain just what TIF is? And yes, Lowe's does benefit. They are induced to make the investment by giving them preferential treatment via subsidy for coming to town. The older businesses had to pay for their own improvements.)

So, other businesses in competiton with Lowe's will be collecting taxes to pay for the improvements of the infrastructure around their own competition. Fair?

If the area being improved were truly blighted and the community truly needed Lowe's (which is not indicated in the Hudson Study), then the "done deal" might have made a little sense. Someone mentioned a special tax district to improve the "downtown" section. Now, that IS blighted! A couple more restaurants there would be a blessing. And much of the infrastructure is already there. Plus, downtown has been a business district for a long time and any improvement would certainly not impede many sensibilities.

But the deal was seemingly done long before last night. Too many ducks were already in a row. Why do we bother to have a Planning Board if the Commission is not going to listen to them? Mr. Christie is definitely a good salesman. He makes Frank Morgan (The Wiz) look like a piker! But then why did we spend $3 millions on the DeBauge property and $75 thousand on the Hudson Study? The Commission is going to do as they see fit anyway.

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't understand why anyone would want to shop at any store where your end price you pay is going to be more because of higher tax at that particular store !
Does no one comprehend the economic situation the country is in and may be in for some time ?

Posted by pittsburg (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WOW!!! This is such a MESS!! Does anyone not see that this one stupid issue is tearing apart a town? I work at one of these 'older' locations and I am not afraid of competition. I actually am looking forward to Lowes coming to town for the simple fact that it will push us all harder to sell and gain more knowledge at the store. Everyone that I work with at the moment is not afraid of competition, we just believe that the location sounds ridiculous and that the tax incentive is not necessary for the company it is being offered to.

What happens if Lowe's can not be supported by the economy around the area and only lasts 5 years?

I also will be a neighbor of Lowes and I am not looking forward to it for the simple fact that my family will be effected immensely. I will not feel as safe with my kids riding their bikes in the area. They are very cautious kids but not many drivers are. The traffic is already ridiculous with the closing of Graphic Arts. So I do ask one thing. PLEASE get all of the roads ready before this store opens. Re open Graphic Arts and place a few more turning lanes and signals down Industrial. It is very difficult to turn left when you are going South.

Even if I did not work where I do, I would be against the location. In my opinion, the new development would be best fit out the Western part of town like originally planned. It would be an interstate attraction. People would exit and get to that destination with ease. Instead, they will have to add to the traffic of the already chaotic Industrial. Think about this... How many of you have problems when you are simply trying to get to or from work and you have the long lines behind the high school traffic to deal with? How many wrecks have us experienced drivers had to avoid by hitting our breaks because of inexperienced drivers? And sit at the intersections praying that we do not get struck by someone running the red lights? It is ALREADY an issue that is not getting fixed.

Once again, I work at a competitor and we have had meetings with other stores. NO ONE is afraid of the competition. I will agree with a few of you, competition is at times necessary. And I do feel confident that in time everything will even itself out. I am only worried that the development will not be as big as everyone imagines it will end up. What if other stores decide we are not a big enough retail market? Can we at least see what stores would be willing?

Posted by pittsburg (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JUST THE FACTS

I do hope that Sutherlands has done something else to you besides speaking their voices about this ordeal. Many of us wanted to speak out but did not want to see the customers turn on us like I am understanding you are doing. If the only reason that you will not visit that store again is because of the meeting, you have some issues of your own. I do believe we live in a country that does have freedom of speech (which is how we are all sharing these thoughts).

And no one should say that they will or will not vote for the current commissioners JUST because of one voting disagreement. I am sure that both sides thought about what they would be doing to the town and to their own reputations, just like the people that spoke at the meeting.

No one should be criticized for voicing any opinion. Right or wrong.

Posted by shadou (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pittsburg:

"And no one should say that they will or will not vote for the current commissioners JUST because of one voting disagreement. I am sure that both sides thought about what they would be doing to the town and to their own reputations, just like the people that spoke at the meeting."

What do you mean "...JUST because of one voting disagreement"? What about the hornswogglew (thus far) on the Debauge property and the debacle of the (secret) Buxton Study?

Posted by shadou (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

On the above post at 5:29, I should have said "Buxton" report. Mea culpa.

Posted by Free4all (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Would anyone who wants to bring business to Emporia, after looking at the empty biglots and other buildings that are deteriated and over grown, want to build there? If the city wants to sell these places then make them presentable and inviting. Do you wash you car before selling it? Take out the building, clean up the area around it and I bet someone will put a business on the lot.

Posted by pittsburg (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Shadou-

I was only making a comment to the above, create and Maximus. It seems like the are basing their future votes on one issue. I do agree with what you are saying. But if we always hold one mistake again a person then we wouldn't ever vote for anyone.... Every politician makes mistakes and whats done is done. I am sure that ALL of the commissioners will be effected in both good and bad ways. They will see the faults in the decision from every angle.

I do agree completely! This was set in stone WAY before the meeting. They were not interested in anyone's opinion if they did not feel that it was going to benefit themselves.
I do predict that once the building gets underway, the city will hear from all of the families in the area. The noises will be annoying and machinery will get in the way. There isn't a way that anyone could say it will not be a mess.

Free4all-

I do agree with that statement. The empty buildings are not the greatest sites. The need to be cleaned up or taken out. It's just like flipping a house, it can be done! I do, however, believe that Lowes would turn down a perfectly clean building just because they can.

Posted by pittsburg (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 6:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And I have done a lot of researching... The prices at Lowes will have to be less than at the Topeka store if they wish to compete. Their prices are higher than almost all of the competitors in town.

Posted by pittsburg (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am also very confident in saying that I am going to BLOW AWAY any competition in my current department just because of the knowledge and friendliness that is offered. I actually take each customer in to my heart and help them get what fits their needs, not just what I would like to sell them. Lowes will be working off of strict commission just like the rest of the stores in the chain. It's hard to buy from a salesman that is only looking out for him/herself.

Posted by Doug (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Create, You are wrong. People do go to Topeka just to go to Lowes and Home Depot. When I remodeled my kitchen, I more than paid for the gas in just the savings on the underlay for my floor. The same floor tiles at Sutherlands for $2.99 were $.99 at Lowes plus I had a salesperson with me the entire time helping me find my items. I seriously doubt I'm the only person in Emporia and the surrounding area that has done that. This town needs to grow but every time something tries to come in here, the negative nellies come out of the woodwork. Not only are they loud but annoying.

Posted by booker5m (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The town needs to grow with industries not retail.The powers that be will not let any well paying industry in. There have been a number wanted to come to town but the Commissioners didnt think it was a right fit. Maybe we should ask one about the old Magic Palace. Must have been the right fit!

Posted by trainrech (anonymous) on October 16, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This town needs to grow in both the industrial AND retail sectors. I'll take either right now.

Posted by justthefacts (anonymous) on October 17, 2008 at 12:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pittsburg, I was referring to the sophomoric behavior I observed from some of the employees of the competitors I observed at the meeting. It explains why I've had so much problem when trying (emphasis) on trying to purchase merchandise at their respective "chains." Your condescending attitude is transparent and shallow. I will not respond to such dribble. I believe you made my case for me. I too shall exercise my right to my opinion and shall also exercise my right to vote not only at the ballot box but also with my pocket book as to where I shall purchase my goods. Be very glad you are not in my employ.

Posted by justthefacts (anonymous) on October 17, 2008 at 12:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As to my issues with Sutherlands, they are many. I've even tried to give them the chance to order things I needed rather than go someplace else and was told they "don't do that." I've waited in line repeatedly for over 15 minutes to purchase one item. Trying to find help there is virtually impossible and when you do, they have no idea of what or who to find to help you. Fortunately this is not a problem at Bluesteam or Waters. They go out of their way to help and will order things when possible or even tell me where I can find what I'm looking for even when it means going to a competitor. I consider that good customer service. Never once have I been treated rudely at those businesses. I cannot say the same at Sutherlands.

Posted by justthefacts (anonymous) on October 17, 2008 at 12:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

madpoet, I'm curious what the city manager and police chief have to do with the commissioner's vote on Lowes? Seems to be apples and oranges. Perhaps since you don't live in Emporia, you may be able to share some concrete examples before you start slamming people?

Posted by letsmoveforward2009 (anonymous) on October 17, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pittsburg,
If you think your prices at Sutherlands are better than Lowes you are crazy. Sutherlands is the worst business in Emporia when it comes to customer service. It is pretty bad when it takes a girl over half an hour to mix one gallon of paint. I have driven to Lowes many times to buy things for my house when I have had problems with Sutherlands. I hope to see the construction start soon since I have more remodeling to do and I won't be going to Sutherlands.

Posted by create (anonymous) on October 17, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Believe me, Doug, if you went to Lowe's and Home Depot and came right home again, you are in the minority. All the people I know who go to those two stores make a day out of it and stop at other stores and eateries, in particular, Olive Gardens or Red Lobster.

As far as naysayers being "loud and annoying," it's a free country. Just remember that the opposite is also true. Last time I checked, I have a right to my opinion, and there are no rules that limit the number of opinions one can give in one day. I have to shut up just because you like going to Lowe's and Home Depot?

Posted by pittsburg (anonymous) on October 17, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Justthefacts-

Im sorry to inform you that I do NOT work at Sutherlands. I am just trying to be understanding of the situation. I am glad that you explained your problems because now I do understand what you are talking about. I was only hoping that you had more than one reason.
Thank you for sharing.

Posted by nutsaboutools (anonymous) on October 17, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Booker,

Where do you get your information? 1st). What's the incentive for industries to come to Emporia? 2nd). Who are the "powers to be" and what industries have "they" not "let in"? I think the Commission is doing what they can to get growth in Emporia started. Although I don't think Industrial & 24th is the best location, bringing Lowes into Emporia is a step in the right direction.

Posted by rlsapp82 (anonymous) on October 17, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is great news. Sutherlands is a great store but it doesn't compare to Lowes. Everytime we do a project we have to drive 100 miles round trip to get our stuff at Lowes because they have more to choose from and better prices. Can't wait to see them in Emporia. Maybe Kohls and Red Lobster will follow.

Posted by wookdog13 (anonymous) on October 17, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe they are saving the best for last and the best location. Where is the CASINO???????/

Posted by Jallanpoe (anonymous) on October 18, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Create you must be a person that doesn't like change! Maybe you should of watched the city commision meeting, if lowes closes they still will have to pay their taxes, for the tiff! If you look at the legends area most of it was built for tiff! That area is booming! Did you hear jim kessler say he knows that lowes will bring competition and he was for it! I mean come on quit being so negative! Let change happened! Hopefully this will help emporias economy! And then you will be jumping bandwagons talking about how good things in emporia is! Remember change is good!

Posted by momus (anonymous) on October 18, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes create, don't you know that if you don't agree with people, and do independant research, you are being negative. Duh... Maybe I should have added some exclamation points!!!