Lessons Learned From Kelo

State and Local Government | November 12, 2009

By Christine Harbin | Read Time 1 minute

The Wall Street Journal reflects on Pfizer’s recent decision to leave its location in New London, Conn. I like the following statement from the op-ed in particular:

If there is a lesson from Connecticut’s misfortune, it is that economic development that relies on the strong arm of government will never be the kind to create sustainable growth.

This is a lesson that cities like Saint Louis should remember and asseverate in their future development projects. As demonstrated in New London, government involvement produces opposite-than-desired results, such as driving out businesses and attracting feral cats.

About the Author

Christine Harbin

Christine Harbin Christine Harbin, a native of Wisconsin, joined the Show-Me Institute as a research analyst in July 2009. She worked as a policy analyst at the Show-Me Institute until her departure in early 2011. She holds undergraduate degrees in economics, mathematics, and French from the University of WisconsinMadison, and an MBA with an emphasis in operations management from the University of WisconsinEau Claire. She interned with the National Economic Council at the White House in Washington, D.C., during spring 2007. Prior to joining the Show-Me Institute, she worked as an advance planning analyst for hospitals and health care systems.

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