Amazon, get lost: billions for headquarters? Not in my backyard

(FILES) This file photo taken on June 16, 2017 shows a visitor checking in at the Amazon corporate headquarters in Seattle, Washington. Amazon said January 18, 2018 it had narrowed to 20 its options for a second headquarters for the sprawling technology and lifestyle company headed by Jeff Bezos, the world's richest individual. After 238 cities from North America submitted bids, Amazon announced its short list included three in the vicinity of the US capital Washington, and the Canadian city of Toronto. / AFP PHOTO / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / David Ryder

Jamie Eldridge, the son of an electrical engineer who grew up in suburban Boston, would seem like a natural cheerleader for Massachusetts’ bid to land Amazon’s second headquarters. A state legislator, he represents a district only 30 miles from the proposed US$5bil (RM19.56bil) company campus and its promise of 50,000 high-paying jobs.

But Eldridge has a surprising message for the tech giant: Thanks but no thanks.