Taxing Carson City More?
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Mon, 01/20/2014 - 12:28am
Yet another proposal to spend money by our city government has been proposed once again to build animal shelters, athletic centers and improve 'corridors'. After the failed city center proposal there seems to be no end to new possibilities for our public officials to spend more taxpayer money. Much like our state and federal governments, increased spending seems to be pandemic. Are these all worthwhile and worthy endeavors? Though it is noteworthy and extraordinary that city politicians, bureaucrats and employees even profess to care what the public thinks when they have the power to spend the money, any time they wish, and for most any purpose they can rationalize. It seems that this final eighth cent sales tax increment is driving them all crazy with worry about how to spend it.
So I have a few check list questions for everyone to ponder while the politicians decide what they can slip past the voters once again.
Let's play twenty questions together, while thinking a little first, as cheap entertainment.
1) Does our city have a surplus of funds and have we banked that surplus yet?
2) Does the city have debts that we should reduce before interest rates skyrocket?
3) Can we reduce city budgets and employees to save the money they want to spend?
4) Does increasing taxes guarantee increased revenue or flight from Carson City?
5) Are we in for another economic downturn led by our very own tax and spend Reid?
6) Should we save that last tax increase for a real emergency involving health and safety?
7) How long will it be after a tax increase before the city is back, asking voters for even more?
8) Isn't it possible for those that love Carson more than our politicians to ask for thrift?
9) Why not have part of any future spending be matched by cuts in our city budget until paid?
10) Where can I download a current city detailed budget spread sheet for ratio analysis?
11) How much money does the city spend each year?
12) What is the percentage of this proposed spending as part of the city budget?
13) Why are we not including any extra maintenance costs and how much is it?
14) Should we be spending money on animal shelters while homeless people die in the street?
15) Excluding Detroit how does Carson City compare with similar sized cities for costs?
16) Are animal shelters and athletic centers really our top priorities?
17) Who sets the city priorities, what are they and what are they based on?
18) Will there ever be a time when any politician suggests lowering taxes?
19) Will there ever be a time when any politician doesn't want to spend more taxpayer money?
20) Guess why few people trust government or believe them any more about anything?
Suggestion: Before we become Detroit or like many other bankrupt cities, why not first lower expenses and cut city government costs, followed by lowering taxes? The private sector has been shrunk by high taxes and over regulation. Why not shrink government to match? Then let's have another 'honest' talk about whether we can afford more taxes or spending. Do we really show our love for our city when we agree to bankrupt it by endless spending? Do we really hate our city when we refuse to become irresponsible spendthrifts? Who can doubt the honesty of the politician who frames a proposal in such 'honest' terms?
