Your Town, USA: A Great Place To Live, Launch And Loot?

Looting assets of the dead and disabled is a focus of the Estate of Denial web site (www.EstateofDenial.com). An Involuntary Redistribution of Assets (IRA) occurs when property is distributed via a trust, will and/or guardianship in a manner contrary to the intended wishes of the asset owner.

It can happen during the person’s lifetime or posthumously. Family members, friends or even “trusted” associates like a lawyer, accountant, social worker or caregiver are potential IRA practitioners. With legal and financial maneuvering, IRA can be accomplished totally within limits of the law. Georgetown is home to Del Webb’s Sun City Texas. IRA actions are occurring across the country, but towns like Georgetown – with a significant retirement-age population – are particularly at risk.

A designation like the “best place to live and launch” energizes everyone from municipal governments to local Chambers of Commerce to economic development folks. This distinction provides new bragging rights when local realtors and business recruitment forces set out to promote their city. Communities celebrate as new companies open, flourish and create jobs that stimulate new housing plus needs for additional businesses or services. This increases the tax base and the opportunity to grow government (not viewed by all as a good thing). A great city creating great opportunity. It’s all just - great! Or is it?

Either forgotten or ignored is that the factors attracting positive commercial interests can also be appealing to unscrupulous businesses looking for locations housing specific, significant population segments. Towns with military installations are great examples of areas that attract economic activity that is predatory in its relationship with residents. Exploitive environments can also exist within factory or mining towns and even resort or medical communities.