Thursday, June 19, 2008

Understanding Needs and the Economy

Mesa's Fraternal Order of Police is worried about Mesa's reduced bond package. However, what they don't appear to appreciate is the magnatude of what is being asked. Any bond package is going to have a secondary property tax attached to it. This is a first in Mesa. Perhaps, the folks on the council are thinking that getting their foot in the door with a smaller package of the most critical items is a good way to show the public that they can trust their government.

I understand the public safety needs, but this all or nothing attitude is not helpful in our current economic situation. Mesa is making cuts to stay under budget and people everywhere are seeing climbing utility payments not to mention being robbed everytime they have to fill up their tank. Perhaps a 2 year package is in order to get the city through the next few years and then we can see if anything changes.

What good comes from complaining about this bond being half empty?

1 comment:

Heath Reed said...

I agree. Its better to have something than nothing. Until we have a property tax, we are going to go more in debt, and not get that great of service. But once this bond money is gone, who is going to pay for these upgrades in fire, police and streets????? Are we going to float another bond? Its not a resource that we should be tapping into that much. This resource needs to be paid another way, but as of now, this is or only option.

Also, my two cents. If we had developed differently than a sprawling, bedroom community, things could have been different. We would not be so dependent on our cars, our wide, unsafe streets, and might have not turned our backs on the streets. Eyes on the streets are the best protection a community can have. The affect of growing smart did not come to Mesa, and could have helped citizens out with the cost of gas we are all feeling now. Also, a better tax base.