When you’re a 10 billion a year company, as Google is, sometimes its tough to adhere to its “No-Evil” mantra — and sometimes, its just easier doing business the old fashioned way. Folks in North Carolina found that out, as Google is considering North Carolina as one of 9 states to expand its operations. With the attraction of millions of dollars of investment and hundreds of jobs, it seems like some states are finding that courting Google is costing them in terms of concessions. And Google isn’t afraid to employ typical lobbying tactics to get what it wants.
Over at the Charlotte Observer, for instance, it mentions how Google has tried to influence law makers into tax breaks of over 100 million dollars over the next three decades. Moreover, it tried to maintain a level of secrecy in its lobbying efforts, and was particularly displeased when word leaked out that they were responsible for some of the newer state and local tax breaks. While big business lobbying local government certainly isn’t new, secrecy and bullying tactics aren’t things one would usually associate with the “No-Evil” mantra. Or perhaps it only applies when its convenient. Or only when people aren’t looking. When it comes down to the bottom line, I suppose, sometimes its just easier when its business as usual.
