Editorial: Exploiting power crisis is wrong way

Tuesday, April 10, 2001 | 9:09 a.m.

California's energy woes have resulted in some crass efforts by other states to get the Golden State's jittery companies to relocate. For instance, Michigan mailed 4,500 firms a glow-in-the-dark computer mouse pad, while Tennessee sent flashlights. So much for subtlety. But Chuck Alvey, executive officer of the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, is trying a different tack in luring high-tech companies from Silicon Valley. He is using an understated approach that soft-sells Nevada's relatively cheaper power, noting it is just one component of the overall lower costs of doing business here.

Part of this strategy is just common sense. As Alvey told the Reno Gazette-Journal, animosity is developing among Californians over the perception that other states are exploiting their misfortune. Instead of a high-octane pitch that resembles that used by a pushy car salesman, a reasoned approach may actually produce better results. Besides, kicking someone when they're down never wins you many friends.

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