How to be an obstructionist in one easy lesson.

["Steve Cooke" <scooke@uidaho.edu>]

Dear Visionaries,
	At the urging of Ms. Salant, I have an idea of how it is particularly easy
to be considered an obstructionist to economic development in a small town
like Moscow. My idea begins with Pricilla's statement to me that she is not
an obstructionist to economic development. Rather, she wants an open
economic development process in which citizens get to participate and have
their say if not their way.
	I would say that Pricilla's objective is a v. laudable goal and one to
which I subscribe. And yet consider the other side of the coin. If, for
example, you are a member of the Moscow-Latah County Economic Development
Commission or other public or semi-public decision-making body and if you
have an idea for development, what are your incentives to bring the idea
forward for public debate? Unfortunately, I would argue, not much.
If people disagree with your idea, then they may be obstructionists as Steve
Lyons alleges. If people agree with the idea, then the public discussion
just slows the process down with perhaps no added benefit. Also if you
announce your plans for development too far in advance, others will busy
themselves in the background to maximize the monetary effect for themselves.
This latter point explains in part why Wal-Mart does not announce that it is
looking for a site in the community, but rather sends a surrogate to
purchase the land in advance of announcing their intentions.
Public participation in development decision-making increases the
transactions costs, i.e., the time it takes to make a decision, in the short
run and may not add value in the long run. Transactions costs are just that,
more costs of development, i.e., obstructionist. This is the dilemma that
groups like Vision 2020 are up against and why people like Steve Lyons have
a point, albeit a painful one to hear. It is also why this list serve is v.
important to keep the dialogue on Moscow's (and Pullman's) development in
the future open and honest in spite of these incentives.
Steve Cooke