And what Taxes have to do with it....
Frank's holding a press conference as I write this, media and political response later. Politics in Mudville has the full text of the release.
Some interesting points from the material Frank provided with the media release from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy
The richest Ohio taxpayers—with average incomes of $660,000—pay 9.7% of their income in Ohio state and local taxes before accounting for the tax savings from federal itemized deductions. After the federal offset, they pay only 6.7%.
Middle-income taxpayers in Ohio—those earning between $27,000 and $41,000—pay 10.7 of their income in Ohio state and local taxes before the offset and 10.3 after — much greater than the share the rich pay.
Ohio families earning less than $15,000—the poorest fifth of Ohio non-elderly taxpayers—pay 10.9% of their income in Ohio state and local taxes which is almost one and a half times the rate the richest Ohio taxpayers pay.
I recommend taking a look at the pdf, including the charts on page 3 and 4 for a more detailed look at the information.
And our first update:
The Blade reports that Bob Vasquez joined Frank at the Press Conference and also points out that Joe McNamara has also brought up the assessment issue.
Second update:
More from the Toledo Blade and in the comments the full text of the bullet points I received from Bob Vasquez's campaign on the issue of assessments.
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3 comments:
And so the games begin in earnest.
At this time, I'd be leaning towards Dave Schulz; his statements convey a very logical message, IMO.
The full text of the information I received from Bob Vasquez's campaign:
Today’s paper confirmed what we already knew—and dreaded—nearly 20,000 Toledoans have moved away from our city since the last Census was taken.
Many people are giving reasons as to why the City has had such a significant decline. As I am on the campaign trail, two reasons keep coming up in conversation: too few jobs and too high taxes.
As a member of the Lucas County Tax Review Committee, I review tax levies that are proposed county-wide. The committee evaluates the need for tax levies, both new and renewal. We do not advise the Commissioners to take the levy and pass it on to the citizens with their three votes—we advise the Commissioners to proceed with an election or not. Basically, we are affording the citizens the opportunity to decide for themselves if they want to pay for the tax in question.
I am here today to endorse Frank Szollosi’s plan to put the question of raising taxes on the ballot this November.
Over the past 5 years, special assessments on property taxes have risen 36%.1 Toledoans now bear the brunt of a $24 million bill—on top of the ¾ percent income tax they pay to the City and the property taxes they pay to the County.
Supporters of the special assessments may argue that the services are needed—and therefore we must pay for them by going to the property owners.
I say that if the services are necessary—and above what citizens already pay to the City—than put the assessments to a vote.
At a time when Toledo must be conscious of losing population and keeping the people that we still have, the city must look at different ways to do business.
I ask that the citizens of Toledo pick up the phone or write a letter to their Council members to demand that the special assessments be put to a vote.
Council must stop equivocating on how to stop the population loss—and start doing something about it. I suggest the first place they can start is by addressing the issue special assessments.
Lisa,
Some excerpts from that Blade article worth noting (and commenting on:
Dave Schulz said. "What the city needs are elected officials who have the political courage to make cuts in non-essential government programs and departments and not politicians who trot out these gimmicks during election time."
Dave is exactly right on this. Furthermore, the City should be trimming the legions of managerial and administrative jobs to be much more inline with the private sector.
These days, Commissioners, Directors, Managers, Staff Professional Engineers (who are not allowed to engineer), and cadres of other assorted administrative staff doing what a Superintendent, Secretary/Payroll Clerk and crew leaders (Senior workers in charge of a crew of fellow workers) used to get accomplished. The City “overhead” is ridiculous, almost as bad as the TPS. Hey, what a coincidence.
And just like TPS, the City management seems to be imbued with Teflon raingear, for those stormy times, when the lower life forms take the cuts and pay freezes while times remain prosperous amongst the managerial ranks…
Bob Vasquez, an unendorsed Democrat, said automatic restrictions on spending could hamper police and fire protection.”
Bob very astutely observes exactly what happens every time it is permitted; the working stiff is made to suffer, while the administrative staff feels little discomfort.
A third item in Mr. McNamara's Jobs FIRST plan would require a citizen vote to increase the assessed services budget.”
Well, that is a very well intentioned idea, but I can predict a plethora of NO votes, followed by even mode infrastructure and support service deterioration, as usual,
”Assessment costs increased from $16.7 million in 2001 to $22.2 million in 2005, not including the cost of debt service,” Finance Director John Sherburne said yesterday.
That’s expected and as predicted. Managerial bloat and uncontrolled costs are, as usual pushing the costs of delivering services to astronomical heights. And the working stiff’s living standard keeps on sliding as wage increases fail to even keep pace with the increasing cost of living.
You know, maybe our City Fathers (and Mothers) would do well to read and understand the City Charter, and keep it in mind when drafting next year’s budget, funding only what is actually covered by the Charter. And, while they’re at it, maybe they should look into how things used to be done and consider emulating the good old days.
But, hey, what could I possibly know, I’m just a working schlub and reluctant tax overpayer. . .
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