Flamethrower diplomacy
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n the history of counter-productive tactics in the battle over Ogden's proposed gondola, we're pretty sure the threatened boycott of Amer Sports Corp. by an Ogden businessman deserves a spot in the winner's circle.
The outdoor-sports-equipment company has announced plans to relocate its North American Division -- and manufacture of its brands: Salomon Skis, Atomic Skis and Suunto underwater watches and diving products -- to Ogden along with 230 jobs. But since Amer Sports' chief Mike Dowse has said he's optimistic about Mayor Matthew Godfrey's proposal for a gondola system, a local businessman, Dave Pieser, threatened a boycott of Amer Sports in an e-mail to Dowse.
That's just nuts.
To attack the gondola project and criticize its supporters is one thing. But it is beyond reprehensible to make boycott threats that conceivably could torpedo valid economic development and business expansion in the form of relocating ski companies. In his e-mail, Pieser used the word "boycott," along with "greedy," "unfriendly," "anti-green" and "anti-environment." But that wasn't all; he also said the company's gondola support places Dowse "squarely on the anti-community, elitist, pro-development, damn the environmental impact side of things."
We sure hope Pieser is a rogue figure among those Ogdenites who oppose the gondola proposal. His confrontational maneuver could actually harm Ogden economically. "Boycott" isn't a word to be tossed around lightly. And, besides, Pieser seems to have overlooked the fact that Amer Sports has agreed to relocate to Ogden without a gondola having been built; the gondola proposal and its variables -- which continue to pop up and disappear over time -- is far from a sure thing. Amer Sports and the other ski companies that have been relocating to Junction City are doing so for reasons other than dreams of a gondola: They like the low rents, the proximity to the mountains, available work force, quality ski resorts and other companies like their own.
We hope Pieser and those who might have agreed with him will be dissuaded from engaging in such foolish and potentially catastrophic maneuvers. Yes, by all means, argue the merits of the gondola proposals. But don't drive away businesses that are looking at Ogden as their future base of operations.
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