VIP and funding

I find it hard to believe that VIP Industries in Cape Girardeau has as much capital as it does, yet it still requires the assistance of my tax dollars through the Cape Girardeau County SB40 board. In 2009, VIP had assets totaling approximately $22 million.

The SB40 board has funding guidelines that, for all intents and purposes, say that if you want money from us, show us your financial records and we will then decide. The board has directly said even if the "agency" requesting funding is financial sound, it doesn't mean they will not give that agency funding.

CHRIS BRUCE, Jackson