Getting a grocery store into Harrisburg was apparently one of the “issues” in the just-concluded Harrisburg mayoral race.
Would I like a grocery store in Harrisburg? Absolutely.
But let’s think this through for just a minute. What exactly can the city of Harrisburg do to bring in or attract a grocery store here to The Garden Spot of Lincoln County?
Now, being the bleeding heart liberal Democrat that I am, I think there is often a role for the government in the economy.
I also lived for nearly ten years in the People’s Republic of Brookings, which owned a liquor store, the telephone company, a hospital, and a golf course. They were all well-run businesses that provided good service.
However, I have also run my own small business, and I currently work at a small business As an attorney, I advise people who start businesses.
I suppose the Harrisburg, a la Brookings, could own its own grocery store. Call it Socialist Tiger Food Mart or some such thing.
But would we really want our tax dollars going to a grocery store instead of a park, a water system, fewer potholes or lights on the ball diamonds?
Probably not.
On a more practical note, the city could provide some incentives like it does for manufacturing businesses —property tax abatement, excise tax abatement, free land, etc.
This might actually make some sense … if a grocery store was on the bubble about whether to come to Harrisburg or not. These incentives might put them over the top and help the store decide.
Here’s my suggestion.
You really want a grocery store in Harrisburg? Don’t look to city government. Look to your own buying habits.
A grocery store company will look at sales tax revenue for Harrisburg. They’ll look at population growth. If population growth is off the charts but sales tax revenue is not, the potential business may assume locals don’t support local businesses.
So, what to do?
Buy Harrisburg.
Eat in Harrisburg. Go to the dentist in Harrisburg. Go to the chiropractor in Harrisburg. Go to the eye doctor in Harrisburg. Buy your morning coffee in Harrisburg. Buy your gas in Harrisburg. Drink a beer in Harrisburg. Get your hair cut in Harrisburg.
Support the businesses we already have. The mythical grocery store will look favorably at that sort of economic activity.
That will go a lot farther in bringing in a Sunshine or a Jubilee or a mom and pop grocery story than expecting our city government to help you buy your groceries within the city limits.