LOOKING AT HOW A PREVIOUS “STIMULUS” EFFORT WORKED OUT: “When Knoxville was approved to receive Empowerment Zone funding in 1999, many in the city were thrilled at the potential a windfall of $100 million could have for the city’s poor neighborhoods. A few cautioned that the city not waste the opportunity. But it was hard to imagine how that kind of cash wouldn’t make a significant difference. Now, almost 10 years later, nobody is saying the Empowerment Zone has been a booming success. Some are even disgusted with what they say has been a complete failure.” Some say it hasn’t been that bad. Read the whole thing.