There are 195 countries in the world. So, which country does Auburn’s city manager, economic development manager and mayor decide upon as the most meaningful place to promote Auburn’s “business friendly” environment? The answer to that question is: China.

Yes, the very same China that President Donald Trump is choosing to impose massive economic sanctions on. And the very same Chinese that promised to convert the old Quoddy building into a “medical tourism” facility that, today, is a monument to city blight.

My only question is what kind of an incentive is that team down at city hall going to offer prospective Chinese businessmen to come here? Because, by now, it is clear that no business is coming here to face the cold winters, sparse population, isolated location and outrageous mill rates without one heck of a handout.

It seems the only idea Auburn’s leadership can come up with is to heap some corporate welfare on top of the overburdened welfare system as the latest innovative plan to grow the economy.

Somebody please rein in the wild, misguided dreams down at City Hall; then, perhaps, Auburn can agree about enjoying being a small town with a sustaining economy.

Auburn should start promoting the idea that folks can live within their means in this tidy agrarian community that was wisely and thoughtfully laid out by residents’ forefathers, who had more vision in their big toes than the entire current lot downtown.

Alan Whitman, Auburn