Feb 04 You Just Can't Make This Stuff Up

Colorado Springs is not a small city.  However, in reading this latest article it is amazing to watch how scare tactics are used whenever a group tries to push through a property tax increase.

"If a playground burns down, I can't replace it," Schroeder said. Park fans' only hope is the possibility of a new ballot tax pledged to recreation spending that might win over skeptical voters.

"I don't know if people are convinced that the water needed to be turned off in the parks, or the trash cans need to come out, or the lights need to go off," Fowler said. "I think we'll have a big turnover in City Council a year from April. Until we get a new group in there, people aren't really going to believe much of anything."

Read more:http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_14303473#ixzz0eJSAfmqw

First, I would like to know how many playgrounds are burnt to the ground each year in the United States?  That would be a great story if there are a lot.

I wonder why it is hard for the employee's of a city to understand why property taxpayers would not want to see their taxes tripled.  This is one of the main problems within government, and why you should consider running for elective office. The self-interests of the staff of a city and the interests of elected officials can often be at odds.  It is important that elected officials are pushing back on staff to ensure money is spent wisely and projects can be sustained in an economic downturn.

TIP 1: If you are an elected official please get to know your budgets in detail.  There are areas you can cut or reduce the rates of growth.  There are areas you can consolidate and streamline. There are budget reserves that can be used to transition through the tough times.  (Tip provided tax and fee free of course!!)

I'm not sure if there will be a big turnover in the City Council a year from now.  However, given the voters turned down a huge property tax increase, it sounds to me like  a certain viewpoint just might be the winning issue in November.

A slogan like: Smaller Government, Lower Taxes, and Responsible Fiscal Management.  Maybe even a few staff changes within departments that have become so out of touch with the people who actually own the city:  It's Citizens.

Cross-posted and comments welcome at America's Small City Mayor.