Any thing government can do, private industry can do better.
There are many versions of that mantra. It's a lie. A Daym lie.
Proof?
I offer the following:
The humble City of Gainesville just added some exercise machines to the Francis Meadows Aquatic Center. Nothing major. The place already has two indoor pools. Plus, two nice out door pools. So, why not add a few machines for existing clients. Or to draw in more users.
Who would complain about that?
The YMCA!
The Y is a private company with tax breaks. It's gotten preferential tax breaks. An exclusive deal in Oakwood allowing use of a public park and buildings for its Oakwood YMCA. That includes two buildings and an outdoor pool. Sweet!
So they complained about the competition. Said there was a deal that the City would never compete with the Y for fitness.
Read more about how the YMCA and others are being screwed by superior government services.
Gainesville Times
The center first attempted to open a fitness room in 2009 but was met with opposition from local private fitness centers that said they felt the agency would create unfair competition and hurt their businesses. At the time, representatives from three fitness centers, Georgia Mountains YMCA, Fitness Forum and Bodyplex in Gainesville asked Gainesville City Council not to move forward with plans for a new center.
