After industry exodus, CNY is hardly in position to gripe about Micron tax breaks (Your Letters)

To the Editor:

Regarding “Micron can afford big shareholder dividends. Why can’t it pay more taxes?“ (Oct. 28, 2025):

The letter writer is concerned with the lack of town Clay involvement in Onondaga County’s negotiations with Micron over its payment-in-lieu-of-tax deal and minimum financial benefits specifically for the school district. My response is layered.

First, I would point out that these programs aren’t unusual and not only bring needed jobs to the area, but also, with a corporation like Micron, result in the growth of a multitude of peripheral and supportive industries in the region — and more jobs.

Having experienced the loss of employment associated with losing General Electric, Carrier, Fisher Guide, New Process Gear, Crucible and the like, we are in a weak position to gripe.

Secondly, I would direct efforts to increase the inflow of financial support toward those organizations that already exist in our area and have traditionally been shielded from almost any financial responsibility. These include hospitals, colleges and universities, as well as government buildings. The county, city of Syracuse and towns supply infrastructure, police and fire without much compensation. In the city of Syracuse alone, well over 50% of the buildings are tax exempt.

People will say “it’s the law” but, as we are well aware of, laws can be changed if there is a will and intense pressure brought to bear.

Douglass Selover

Auburn