City Council Opposes Citizen's Voice

http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/111627.html

The article refers to whether or not the city would support or oppose the TABOR bill along with a provision to reduce the exise tax on cars five years old or newer. The article states Gratwick's opposition:

Councilor Geoffrey Gratwick outlined the city’s resolve opposing TABOR II — largely on the basis that it sets a policy of budgeting by referendum and undercuts the authority of elected officials.

Excerpt over. A policy of budgeting by referendum has another interpretation: allowing the people to choose where their money is spent. As for the authority of elected officials, the less power the better.

Even if requested to do so, elected officials have a job to do. That job should not include using that job to make stances on the referendum. Opinions are fine, but in the city council referendums are up to the people, not the council. This lack of connection with the citizens of Bangor (most support TABOR) gives me another reason to run for office. We need people to stand up and take responsibility. For too long we have had people in office who make things worse.

Now, TABOR, the taxpayer bill of rights, would limit tax increases and spending to inflation plus population growth. Opponents say that because education and healthcare rise in cost faster than the things people pay for (which is what determines inflation) that it would cripple the state. I say, not if the government does its job.

There won't be a problem with increased costs if the government makes things more efficient and in so doing will cut costs despite any increase. There is always a way with our current governments on all levels, to cut something without doing harm.

Until we elect leaders who understand this, taxpayers will lack control over what their taxes are spent on and how much money is taken from them through taxes.