We have a christian university in our town of 32,000. It is growing rapidly. So many people resent the university because it is tax exempt, leeches off the town, etc. I always remind them of the jobs created and the students spending money here. Cater to the university and it will help our economy grow along with it.
I agree. Politicians just can't stand the idea that their hand isn't in every pocket. I heard a story about a commander of an Air Force base, back in the fifties or sixties, and whenever the local town folk would start complaining about the airmen being a problem, etc, he would issue all the paychecks the following pay period in $2 bills. When every cash register in town ended up full of $2 bills the next week, they got the point.
I find a flower shop owner complaining being somewhat odd. Flower shops should make a fortune off churches.