The Budget Passed on Party Lines
The Lincoln City Council passed the budget yesterday on a 4-3, party-line vote. But first:
Welcome back, Jon Camp! Nice of you to join your comrades on the City Council and vote on an important issue like the budget. What’s that? You’re “disappointed” that you “didn’t get communicated with”? What a pity. Maybe if you hadn’t left the dang country during a critical time in budget discussions you might have felt a little more included in the process!
Democrats on the Council unanimously supported the budget, while Republicans opposed. One of the biggest sticking points? That darn 0.5% telecommunications tax hike. I’m no fan of tax hikes, but I haven’t yet figured out why that, of all the components in the budget, is what Republicans got up in arms about. Instead, I wish the Republicans would have made an even bigger to-do about the economic development fund and “one-stop development center”, concepts which deserved discussion outside of the budget process. They fussed a bit, yes, but it came across as mostly impotent whining. They can do better.
Did your pet projects receive the funding they need? Are you happy with your Council members?
The Comments
Fletch says But wait... I thought the August 25, 2009 at 8:55am
But wait… I thought the City Council was a non-partison deal. How odd.
Gene says I hope Lincolnites are able August 25, 2009 at 10:12am
I hope Lincolnites are able to pick up enough change on the sidewalk to swing that $0.40 a month.
Fletch says RE: I hope Lincolnites are able August 25, 2009 at 10:43am
I agree in theory. The challenge comes when you look at your phone bill. It seems like a $39 bundle can cost you about $70 a month when you add in all the taxes. Most are small and tiny, not unlike this one. In aggregate, it’s insane.
Mr. Wilson says Insane! August 25, 2009 at 10:51am
This tune popped into my head thanks to you, so I’m going to share the joy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvV-upQVoFs
Dave K says RE: I hope Lincolnites are able August 25, 2009 at 12:52pm
Ah yes, the simple-minded approach. This is the same argument used by supporters of all tax increases. At some point, all these “x amount per x amount bill” tax increases add up to something unacceptable. What point is that for you? Or do you support small incremental tax increases forever?
Some people (myself included) think not of the 50 cents, but of the several hundred thousand dollars that will be confiscated from the private economy. Such a confiscation is always stupid, but is especially so during a receding economy.
Oh well. What else do you expect from liberal Democrats.
Mr. Wilson says RE: I hope Lincolnites are able August 25, 2009 at 1:54pm
Some people (myself included) think not of the 50 cents, but of the several hundred thousand dollars that will be confiscated from the private economy.
You’ve got a point here.
Such a confiscation is always stupid, but is especially so during a receding economy.
Uh oh, a sweeping generalization and name-calling. We might be able to let it slide, though. Except…
Oh well. What else do you expect from liberal Democrats.
Aaaaand splat goes your credibility. So close!
Dave K says RE: I hope Lincolnites are able August 25, 2009 at 2:01pm
Hahaa ... You’re right, my credibility takes a hit, since the Lincoln City Council is non-partisan. “My bad” ...
Gene says RE: I hope Lincolnites are able August 26, 2009 at 1:54pm
Ah yes, the simple-minded approach.
Right, because the “just cut taxes” approach is nuanced, thoughtful, and full of solutions.
I’m not sure what you accomplish be taking personal swipes at people, but congrats to you, Mr. Internet Comment Warrior.
CP says That's what HE said... August 25, 2009 at 10:25am
Ha! That’s exactly what I said out loud during the news yesterday when Camp was complaining about communication.