[RP TownTalk] how do you feel about raytheon?

[cranky old coot]

-Marc,
That is a good question. As a retired serviceman and fully vested 
ex-"beltway bandit" I would suggest the following criteria in addition 
to what everyone thinks:
1. Stability. I think I'm right 4 out of 5 new businesses fail. On the 
other hand, "...spanning more than 80 years, Raytheon..."
2. Flexibility. It would be nice to have an employer that can weather 
changes in the economy. "5th biggest defense contractor (Raytheon)..."
3. Good employer. In the years I watched Raytheon (as a competitor when 
I was with RCA/GE and as a gov. contractor) I meet several Raytheon 
employees and heard lots of stories, formal and casual. I do not 
remember any issues that would indicate that they are not a good employer.
4.  Good neighbor. If you go back far enough I am sure there may be a 
environmental story somewhere. But they like all large companies have 
evolved as public sensitivities has also changed.

Besides they are NOT a laundromat, Check Cashing business, or what ever, 
(I can't remember the others).

On the other hand, are they going to have a higher employee density than 
Riggs (read more cars cutting through town)?
or
On the other hand, are they going to have a higher employee density than 
Riggs (read more people/families holding up the local housing market)?

If the general feeling is that people don't want the "5th biggest 
defense contractor" in town, what would you suggest be done? Picket? Go 
to court and have the contract vacated? Bitch, bitch, bitch?

Sorry, I though the cranky old coot was asleep.

Lou

Marc Molino wrote:
> We spend a lot of time debating about the types of businesses we do and don't want in our town. Some of us are so fed up we'll take anything. Some of us believe we can hold out for higher quality. Expanding our taxable base of businesses seems desirable from all sides.
>
> So I was wondering how people feel about the 5th biggest defense contractor (Raytheon) leasing 90% of the old Riggs building?
>
>