Apple "Deal" + Open Seat Primaries = Opportunity in WillCo for proactive candidates

"So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom."
Psalm 90:12

Late last year, we said our piece about the failures of the WillCo. GOP as it relates to the Apple "deal."  As we consider past failures, however, we can't help spotting opportunity.  It's an opportunity they would be well advised to take.

During the 2020 cycle, there will be (at least) 3 "open seat" primaries for seats that have recently flipped:

• Commissioners Court Precinct 1 (Austin/Round Rock/Unincorporated).

• HD 52 (Round Rock/Hutto/Taylor) -- The old Larry Gonzales seat.

• HD 136 (Cedar Park) -- The soon-to-be old Tony Dale seat.

Each of these races can be won.  Each of them should still be Republican.  Yet the atrophied WillCo. GOP has recently squandered each.

In 2020, the opportunity exists for pro-level playing field/anti-crony capitalism GOP candidates across WillCo.  Such candidates should argue that the WillCo GOP's recent forays into crony capitalism have lead to higher taxes and more Democrats getting elected.  Given it's immense wealth, the recently proposed Apple 'deal' is the worst example.

Such a campaign would make three arguments:

1. Crony Capitalism is immoral -- Preferential treatment for the wealthy and politically connected, with the Apple "deal" as the flagrant example, is an inherent abuse of power.
   
2. Crony Capitalism is bad for the economy -- Having made the abstract moral argument, it's also important to highlight the practical consequence of crony capitalism meaning a net tax increase.
   
3. Crony Capitalism is awful politics -- Ending the abuse of political power and keeping taxes low ought to be sufficient.  But, clearly, it isn't.  So let's talk politics.
   
   Special treatment for the wealthy and politically connected, along with the higher taxes that naturally ensue, lays the foundation for Democrats.
   
   And nowhere is that more obvious, in recent years, than Williamson county.

In 2020, the WillCo D's are going to run against Trump.  That's perilous territory.  But if the WillCo GOP forces the WillCo D's to defend preferential treatment for the wealthy and well connected...they just might remind voters why they rejected the party of Hillary Clinton in the first place.

They certainly won't do any worse than they've been doing.

Bottom Line: Williamson County desperately needs an anti-crony capitalism/pro-level playing field insurgency.  Open seat primaries are a good platform.  This wretched Apple 'deal' is a great place to start.

Apple "Deal" -- EVERYTHING wrong with Passive, Atrophied, Williamson County GOP

"Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord,
But a just weight is His delight."
Proverbs 11:1

As we've considered this Apple "deal" over the weekend, one thought stands out: Where the heck is the Williamson County GOP?!?

We know the answer to that question.  We've discussed that question in the context of the Williamson County GOP losing the U.S. Senate race.  But, in action, it's still a sight.

Allow us to explain.

This Apple "deal" is going to be a tax increase for every Williamson County resident who is not affiliated with Apple.

The foundation of good tax policy is a broad base with low rates.  When you exempt one group from taxation, the way Williamson County intends with Apple, you have to raise tax rates on everybody else.  A narrower tax base means higher tax rates.

Tax "Abatements."  ARE TAX HIKES.  For 99%(+).  Of the community.

But, instead, the Republican majority Williamson County's commissioner's court wants to vote on this "deal" tomorrow.  Also lame-duck county judge's final meeting.  How fitting.

We're probably spitting into the wind; but, if anyone in WillCo wants to show a pulse, here's how we'd fight this Apple "deal":

1. Flood Tomorrow's Williamson County Commissioner's Court Meeting:
   
   Given short notice, 7 people attending tomorrow's meeting probably counts as a "flood."  The commissioners need to see community opposition.  Put them on notice.
   
   NOTE: Even if they can't attend tomorrow's meeting, WillCo residents really SHOULD contact their county elected officials.
   
   Dan Gattis (Outgoing County Judge): (512) 943-1550
   Twitter: @DanGattis
   
   Bill Gravell (Incoming County Judge): (512) 943-1501
   Twitter: @BillGravell
   
   Cynthia Long (WillCo Commissioner, Precinct 2): (512) 260-4280
   Twitter: @CynthiaLongTX
   
2. Petition Campaign:
   
   Any potential tax abatement "deal" with Apple really ought to be subject to voter approval.  Ideally, on the May 2019 ballot.  If May 2019 is too tall of an order, November 2019 is fine.
   
   Such a petition campaign would be similar to the one currently underway in Austin re: Soccer.
   
3. State-Level Pushback:
   
   Let's not kid ourselves: None of the above is likely to happen.  "Conservative leadership" in Williamson County has been a joke for a long time.  That being said, Williamson County is not the only jurisdiction this "deal" concerns.
   
   This "deal" remains, primarily, a State of Texas level "deal."
   
   If taxpayers statewide start raising hell about this act of larceny, any non-passivity that emerges in WillCo will be a bonus.
   
   Remember: Nobody thought we could beat Warren Buffett a year and a half ago....

Bottom Line: Apple's market cap is comparable to the GDP of the Netherlands.  They can afford to expand their existing facility without public subsidies.  It sure would be nice if an allegedly "conservative" political party would make this argument in its own backyard....