News Analysis update
MILT THOMAS
In a story originally published on our website July 5 entitled, “Is there more to Commissioner Zorc’s proposals than meet the eye,” County Commissioner Tim Zorc, at the July 2 Commission meeting, proposed establishing a special economic development fund to be spent on what he termed, “unique welcome branding.” Though Zorc did not offer any specific examples of how the money would be spent, Commissioner Wesley Davis supported the request and made a motion to move forward with it, but Zorc’s idea quickly withered in the absence of support from the remaining three Commissioners. He withdrew his proposal saying he would have a more definitive presentation at the next County Commission meeting.
Zorc came back on July 9 as promised, but the proposal still lacked the same elements it lacked the first time, leading to the same question as to what motivated his proposal in the first place. Zorc’s proposal was to create a small fund for signage to welcome prospective companies and site selectors on behalf of the County Commission over and above current programs offered by the county’s designated economic development agency, the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce. In his first presentation, Zorc presented a number of ideas how that fund could be used, but no specific program. In the July 9 presentation, he showed mock-ups of signs and described under what circumstances they could be used.
However, the same questions arose from fellow commissioners. Commissioner O’Bryan said, “My one issue is that most companies we deal with want confidentiality. A few weeks ago a company was in and someone put a placard on the reception desk with the company’s logo where anyone could see it. Confidentiality is blown right there. Just blow it once and word gets around among site selectors and they take us off the list. I appreciate that you are trying to be creative, but this is a scary place to go, putting their names all over and they don’t know it.”
Commission Chairman, Joe Flescher finally said, “All contacts (with prospects) should come from the likely source, the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council. We don’t need to recreate what has been deemed so successful.”
At this and previous Commission meetings, Zorc had indicated problems working with the Economic Development Council to which Chairman Flescher concluded, “As liaison our mission is to bring information forward. We cannot control the committee, that is not our mission. If you feel it’s uncomfortable, I’ll be happy to offer a swap out to you. We are an effective machine and want clients to know that. I don’t want any doubts.”
Zorc’s criticisms of the Economic Development Council seem to mirror the longstanding negative comments about the Chamber of Commerce by Zorc collaborator, Charlie Wilson, lately on a radio program where he comments on issues as the “Professor of Political Baloney.”
Indian River Guardian 
At a time when everyone is expecting the government to reduce spending, it appears that Commissioner Zorc is stretching the concept of logic to propose frivolous, unnecessary and speculative spending of citizen dollars. Thankfully common sense prevailed and this measure was properly defeated. The thought process of actively seeking additional tax funds to spend recklessly is disturbing and fiscally dangerous.
Well said Ed. Spending citizen dollars should not be the same as spending personal dollars. If Zorc is foolish with his own finances that is one thing however, our tax dollars should be treated with more care than, as you say, frivolous, unnecessary and speculative spending.
Tim would do well to distance himself from Mr. Wilson ASAP.
OK-so what economic development has the EDC brought in to Indian River County?