Dear Editor:
In 2006 I wrote to this paper strongly in support of our school district's business company. At the time, the venture was facing an incessant barrage of hectoring, badgering and petty nitpicking from a few noisy grumblers, browbeaters and political hopefuls. I wrote back then that the start-up was "poised for success" and made three main points.
First, the idea of selling our world-class educational products and certification in the exploding Asian market was (and remains) a very good idea. Second, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial activity inside a business-phobic bureaucracy was also a very good idea. Third, all new ventures need considerable time and money to succeed, and such success is not (and should not be) guaranteed.
Congratulations to the business company leadership for their perseverance. Let's not forget that the interminable and uncalledfor business company hullabaloo almost caused stalwart Brent Atkinson to lose his seat on the school board. He squeaked in by two lonely and precious votes in 2008.
While it is obvious that the school district needs the money, it's a shame that the business company has been pressured to pay off the loan so fast. Typically, it's smarter for small, high-growth startups to reinvest profits into the assets they need to best capitalize on expanding opportunities.
On the other hand, by paying off the loan, the company's managers are no doubt just as happy to silence their critics, put the grief behind them and get on with running the enterprise, undistracted by the farcical inquisition they have had to endure thus far. If we're smart, we'll cheer the management team on as they ardently build the business. The potential is huge.
David H. Brett, New Westminster
