Better uses for tax dollars than helping Northrop Grumman

It is absurd for local governments to consider giving away large sums of our tax money to a giant defense contractor, for which it is inherently advantageous to relocate to the nation's capital ["Political stakes high in Northrop courtship," Metro, Feb. 25]. It is good for local leaders to invest in economic development, but such funds should foster homegrown small and mid-size businesses that provide valuable goods and services to the community and keep their profits in the region.

Those who wish to start small businesses in the District get very little government help and face a maze of red tape to get licensed. The $7.4 million that the D.C. Council wants to give to Northrop Grumman would be better invested in a competitive grant program to assist local entrepreneurs whose business ideas will serve the community in innovative and sustainable ways.

Malcolm Kenton, Washington