SHOULD THE AURORA INDUSTRIAL PARK BE RENAMED BUDWEISER PARK?

SHOULD THE AURORA INDUSTRIAL PARK BE RENAMED BUDWEISER PARK?

The following editorial was posted on the Dearborn County Register website and is a copy of an email letter sent to all DC Redevelopment Commission members from Dr John Rahe, who is a long time DCRC member as well. He requested it to be forwarded to local media as well.

An issue has come before the Dearborn County Redevelopment Commission about which I believe the public should be aware.  About fifty years ago the old Aurora Chamber of Commerce originated a project that became the Aurora Industrial Park and it has retained that name ever since. Now the Budweiser Company is putting pressure on the Commission to change the name of the park to Budweiser Park if they pay for a sign for the park.

Now and in the future “TIF” monies (tax monies controlled by the Commission) will be used to make improvements to the park and to provide incentives to attract new businesses for the park.  These improvements and incentives will essentially promote the Budweiser brand, if it is named Budweiser Park.  I believe it is unethical and fiscally irresponsible to take tax monies from Williams—Aurora Casket Company, Zimmer Tractor, Batesville Products, and a number of other companies to promote the Budweiser brand.  Recently the owner of Crescent Brewery in Aurora informed me that he owns property in the park.  Tax money from improvements to his property would also be used to promote the Budweiser brand.  Any reasonable person can understand the unfairness of doing that. 

Some members of the Commission are somewhat inclined to change the name as an incentive to Budweiser.  The Budweiser people have vilified me for my stand opposing their push to change the name of the park.  I believe the Commission is in danger of establishing an unfortunate precedent.

The Redevelopment Commission would appreciate knowing the public’s opinion about this issue to support whatever decision they make.  Please let them know!

John Rahe, Commission Member

 Aurora IN

Board Members:

Jim Deaton, President

Dave Deddens, Vice-President

Jim Helms, Secretary

Dr. John Rahe

Allen Goodman

James D. Graf (non-voting School Board member)

Andrea Ewan, Board Attorney

Connie Fromhold, Board Treasurer and Dearborn County Auditor

Sue Hayden, Minute Taker and Dearborn County Administrator