Please, Please vote! in the City Council Runoffs
Austin City Council Elections are decided by less than 10% of the voters. This is really a scary fact. That over 90% of the registered voters will let so few of us decide their city taxes, their school taxes, the direction of the police, the administration of roads and utilities is appalling really. Here is a perfect example of the consequences of not voting. If Laura Morrison (for point of sale) manages to defeat Cid Galindo (against point of sale) in the election going on RIGHT NOW, then it is very likely that an ordinance requiring a permit to sell any home in Austin will be implemented. This will initially be a small new tax, say $1,500 for the average Austin home. And yes, I mean tax. All assesments, fees, permits, license, etc. mandated by any government is a tax. Hence, Boston TEA party! But like all taxes it will be reviewed every year and undoubtedly raised. When is the last time any of us heard of a tax going down? If the Federal Government, believes $600 per taxpayer will stimulate the economy, what do you think the result of this new tax will be? What type of wasteful beauracy will need to be created to administer this tax? What effect will this have on the affordability of homes in Austin? Will this encourage buyers to look just outside of the City Limits of Austin when choosing a home?
All these questions can be set aside simply by using the existing tax systems to encourage and implement energy conservation. This model, imported from California, is not well though out and California should not be a model for Texas. Green is good. Conservation is now a necessity. We are the stewards of our planet. I will support City tax dollars going toward conservation. Let us come together to set measurable goals and pull our immence local brain power to find the very best solution to this problem.
But, whether you agree with me or not, please VOTE.



(1 votes, average: 4 out of 5)



