Minute with the Mayor

Question:  What did you do to get Dairy Queen to come to Sparta?

Answer:

The process of any business that decides to invest into a community is an example of free market capitalism at work.  The investors assess the need and opportunity to open a business.  They then look at the investment needed to start such work.  There is so much more that goes into building a business on the front end before there is ever a ribbon cutting to open the business.

There are building regulations, environmental concerns, and engineering and site plans that must be approved.  Then the process of getting all the building construction started is another hurdle that must be considered.

In the case of the Dairy Queen, the investors that own the land and building began looking for a property that would be just right for their venture.  I did talk with the investors about some sites, but some of those fell through or just did not meet the desired location.

The role of the city was very little other than some conversations in getting all the building codes and regulations in line with the investors and business owners.  This was truly free-market principles at work, just like any other business that has been built in our community.  It is our role as citizens to support those businesses when they decide to build here in our town.

The city of Sparta welcomes business growth and will continue to work with future business owners and see what can be done with their ideas and to make them become a reality. Once that happens, the community needs to support that business to help them continue to provide a service for the citizens of our community.

Be safe out there, and finish strong.