Monday, September 11, 2006
One more "no" on the jail tax
The backers of this quarter-cent sales tax have had boatloads of money for advertising and promotions. You have probably seen the slick full-color mailings and seen the professional ads. Why are big money special interests so hot on this tax? The reason is that, with a county government windfall of well past $10 million a year, there will be lots to spread around.
Get this. The tax will bring in $18 million a year for Pulaski County. That is way more than what is required to open the closed parts of the jail and the minimum security portions too.
This is also a big windfall for local governments, which will be relieved of paying for their share of the county lockup.
A "yes" vote is a vote to reward mismanagement.
Do supporters know that this is a dishonest proposal? Absolutely. Why do you think they put this item on a special election (cost of $100,000) in the middle of September?
Opponents are NOT under any obligation to provide an alternative. We did not overspend. We have not created the problem. We did not close part of the jail and fire 25 essential employees. HOWEVER, if the county government presents a reasonable proposal, it would probably pass.
What is reasonable? One-eighth cent with a five year sunset clause. Let them come back to the taxpayers and report five years from now. That's fair.
It took several tries before voters finally approved a sensible plan to build Alltel Arena. It's the same thing with this jail tax.
In the meantime, it is a definite NO vote.
You can hear the interview with Jim Lynch and Paul Kelly on my home page. Download it for free and share with your friends.
Silas and Billy Bob have a bunch of good information on the jail tax at Little Rock 2006.
Get this. The tax will bring in $18 million a year for Pulaski County. That is way more than what is required to open the closed parts of the jail and the minimum security portions too.
This is also a big windfall for local governments, which will be relieved of paying for their share of the county lockup.
A "yes" vote is a vote to reward mismanagement.
Do supporters know that this is a dishonest proposal? Absolutely. Why do you think they put this item on a special election (cost of $100,000) in the middle of September?
Opponents are NOT under any obligation to provide an alternative. We did not overspend. We have not created the problem. We did not close part of the jail and fire 25 essential employees. HOWEVER, if the county government presents a reasonable proposal, it would probably pass.
What is reasonable? One-eighth cent with a five year sunset clause. Let them come back to the taxpayers and report five years from now. That's fair.
It took several tries before voters finally approved a sensible plan to build Alltel Arena. It's the same thing with this jail tax.
In the meantime, it is a definite NO vote.
You can hear the interview with Jim Lynch and Paul Kelly on my home page. Download it for free and share with your friends.
Silas and Billy Bob have a bunch of good information on the jail tax at Little Rock 2006.
