Jimbo, whoa boy. This isn’t about taxes, never was. The town has far too much money to spend (around 30 million) and citizens need only to find a better way to follow the money that is spent, you know, to get a handle on it? For you to even suggest it is about taxes shows you haven’t paid attention to the debate. The Charter doesn’t establish new taxes, it allows citizens to monitor and approve/disapprove any suggested tax increases. What this is about is taking control of how our town operates. Today the Town folks have unlimited check writing ability. You know, kinda like Kaestendick had at the school district? Is that what we really want? It really doesn’t make any sense. Our current government doesn’t come up with any new ideas as to how money is spent or even collected. They leave that to the employees. The staff comes up with the ideas, such as the recent controversy about accommodation zoning, and the Town rubber stamps it. Why? Because the Trustees and Baudeck don’t act like responsible officials. For them it isn’t about how better to budget, it’s how do we get more money. You say it is easy, just vote them out. Well, that’s a good idea, but the apathy in this town is the one big failure we have. People don’t get involved and don’t vote. Folks, it’s going to cost you, and not in the supposed tax increases, unless of course businesses continue to fail and all the retirees have to make up the difference. Oh, so sad. You deserve it if you are not willing to step up and vote for Home Rule.
Also, just to Clearify it for you Jim, the so called burden of proof is on the Town. They are the one’s that passed the emergency ordinance to support Home Rule. Where is their argument? All they have done to support it is have a bunch of inadequate Trustees and their friends run for the commission. There are real citizens willing to put the time and effort into this process. Give them a chance. The worst that can happen is you can vote down the proposed charter.
