With a vote of 3-2 on Wednesday, Lane County commissioners "decided" (after there was enough signatures collected, and that we might be slightly upset over the issue) that the voters should make a decision in May whether to approve the 1.1% income tax.
“Well, we still are facing very uncertain times in terms as far as the federal money coming and I don't believe the citizens realize the services we are going to loose and how dire it really is for lane county public safety system here,” said Commissioner Faye Stewart when asked why he voted in support of adding the charter amendment to the May ballot.Commissioners Pete Sorenson and Bill Fleenor both stated that it would cost between $50-75,000 to put the issue to the voters.
1. We would not have to spend an extra $50,000 plus if the commissioners did not go against the will of the people in the first place and act on their own, telling the voters once again just how important that OUR vote isn't.
2. Commissioner Faye Stewart's concern that people really do not realize the services that we will lose... is wrong. We do realize which services we will lose, and yes, people really are concerned. However, what we are tired of is that it seems like there is always FUNDING when it comes to feel-good projects such as building parks, bike paths, etc. yet, when it comes to basic services such as public safety... suddenly, the money is not there.
3. As some will argue, bike paths and parks have nothing to do with the public safety budget... however, what those people keep forgetting is, whether it is state or federal money... is still comes from the same source... US, THE TAXPAYER!
5 comments:
Let me see if I have this correct. We told them NO prior to November so they spent good money after bad on a stupid PR campaign that didn't work. So then we voted on the tax in November and even with a questionable ballot title, we voted NO. So then, 3 wise men decided that we didn't mean it and enacted the tax. So after one Saturday of signature collection to place the measure on the ballot, the 3 wise men decide to place the tax on the May ballot at a cost of around $50K. What don't I understand? Do they think that the tax has a snowballs chance to pass? Why are they spending another $50K to put this on the ballot? Because it isn't their money - which leads us to the basic problem. If the spent money like they earned it and spent it wisely, we wouldn't be having this discussion.
Here is what got lost in the county commission meeting yesterday. Mayor Leiken, Councilor's Woodrow and Pishioneri all showed up to lobby for the commissioner's to reinstate the completion of the Bob Straub Parkway in their capital project list. The same three commissioner's, Stewart, Green and Dwyer approved the request. This to me is a good thing as this now will open up the largest vacant piece of industrial land in the state of Oregon. The ability to attract more companies and increase the tax base will only help Lane County with future services. All I can say is duh!!!! I guess there goes Springfield bailing folks out once again.
Perhaps the $50,000 should come out of the three commissioner's salaries. The deeper they dig this hole, the harder the measure will fall.
For anyone hoping for a recall, most of the candidates that are slated for replacements have said they would have done the same thing as the current three. I am not confident that we will be represented properly no matter what happens with this single issue. We need a revolution!
As I stood waiting for my bus Thursday, I witnessed a local officer arrest a guy standing on a corner. I have no idea what he was in trouble for. What I noticed was that the officer was MORE than 50 lbs. overweight (judging from his 'pregnant' belly) and could under NO circumstances have chased the guy he was arresting. He had to call in another officer to assist him.
My concern is that we are being asked to maintain a public safety force that is not in good enough shape to protect us. This is not the first time I have watched an overweight officer roll out of his car, hoist up his pants and waddle over to confront someone. If I am going to have to pay more for a service, I should get more....but not MORE!
Post a Comment