Unpalatable business handouts

I like Kathryn Swan and plan to vote for her for state senator; however, I don't agree with her when it comes to giving tax breaks to wealthy movie companies. I know she is looking at the big picture of creating jobs and stimulating the economy by attracting movie companies to Missouri, but subsidizing big, rich corporations just rubs me the wrong way.

I know it's how business is done. GM is considering expanding its Wentzville plant and is looking for a sweet deal from the state, and if Missouri won't provide one, another state will. It's unfortunate, but states and cities must cater to big business to get the jobs. Remember how Amazon backed out of a huge New York development recently because of criticism from local politicians. Big companies can get good deals for investing in local economies, and if local governments are unwilling to give the deals, the companies move on. Maybe it shouldn't be this way, but it is.

It's easy for me to sit back and take the philosophical high road, because my opinion doesn't affect anyone (not even my wife); whereas, elected representatives want to do what's best for their constituents. But wouldn't it be nice if the high road was also the best road?

By the way, I hope my opinion on this issue doesn't hurt my chances of getting an important role in the next movie made in Cape.

GARY L. GAINES, Cape Girardeau