[Another] Tax Repeal Initiative Underway
Backers of a recent initiative will be seeking 6,365 signatures by registered Eugene voters by the end of June to repeal the latest city councils recent increase in the city's gas tax which increased the gas tax from five cents a gallon, to eight cents a gallon.
Additionally, backers of the repeal are also seeking to knock the city gas tax down an additional three cents a gallon.
The City Council, by 6-2 vote last Tuesday, voted to raise the city gas tax to eight cents a gallon in order to collect an extra $2 million annually to repair streets.
The counselors also voted NOT to let a previous two cents a gallon increase expire.
" City Council President Andrea Ortiz, who voted for the gas tax increase, said station owners "are more than welcome" to collect signatures.
"That is why the repeal process is in place," she said.
But Ortiz said she disagrees with their goal. "Will this (repeal) get us closer to taking care of the potholes?" she asked. "I don't think so."
The gas tax is the "fairest" way to finance street repairs because motorists are the ones who use the roads, Ortiz said. "
The special election could cost the city about $100,000 according to city recorder Mary Feldman.
Considering the results from recent action from the Lane County Commissioners, you would think that it would send a message that we are tired of local government going out and spending our money without our permission.
Part of the reason that I vote no on any increase in taxes, is perception. For example, we just spent millions of dollars on a 14 mile bus lane with a fleet of four buses, and yet we don't have money for public safety or to maintain our public roadways.
Additionally, it SEEMS like they (local government) always are able to find money for it ANY OTHER projects that they want EXCEPT basic services.
I guess, when local government can demonstrate to me that they can actually MANAGE a budget, then I would be more willing to share my very LIMITED hard earned money.
1 comment:
I still wonder about the patches of road that were not reinforced for the EMX. Who will pay for the pot holes we KNOW they will cause? And if they try to say they won't cause pot holes then I want to know why streets were torn up and rebar added to accomodate the weight.
I cannot believe that every official in the state has no other solution to problems than a tax. They need to learn to think outside the box.
Post a Comment