Although we were out of the country with no internet access, we were not surprised to learn on our return that led by Mayor Hiremath, his four cronies -Hornat, Snider, Solomon & Waters, voted to double our Utility Tax to 4%.
This is a total disgrace, especially in these tough economic times, with so many foreclosures right here in Oro Valley; so many out of work, and seniors trying to make ends meet while seeing their Social Security benefits frozen for the last two years.
Without looking at some of the "sacred cows"---such as a bloated police budget, these five believed that a balanced budget could only be accomplished by "zapping" the people of Oro Valley.
Kudos to Bill Garner & Barry Gillaspie----the only two on the Council that showed any concern to their constituents.
Although tax matters are not referable under Arizona law it just might be time to initiate a recall of those that show such disdain for those of us that make Oro Valley our home.
If the people of Egypt, from where we just returned, can toss out Mubarak after 4 decades, I would think the people of Oro Valley could do the same, before this "gang of five" do more damage to our community.
Below is The Explorer article, although the reporter calls is a "construction sales tax," you can be sure, it's a tax on our gas, electric & water bills---all necessities to survive.
3 comments:
I'm not sure why they even bother with "Public Hearings" when it's clear that their minds are made up on how they are going to vote even BEFORE they've heard the arguments, both pro and con, from the citizens of Oro Valley.
During the public hearing for the utility tax hike, after each person spoke out against it, Hiremath et al., would immediately counter any arguments that that person had just made. This showed that their minds had already been made up and that the public hearing was nothing more than a formality.
Hiremath et al. was also rude and condescending when giving his/their rebuttals, prompting Conny Culver to bring this to their attention... telling them to "tone down your responses."
So much for Hiremath's RESPECT for everyone mantra!
Another reason to dislike Snider. When voting to double the utility tax she covered her brass by stating that she was clear about this DURING her campaign when she said...
"I will not consider raising revenues UNLESS I'm convinced they're necessary."
(1) Apparently it doesn't take much to convince her.
(2) This is the EXACT same thing that Mike Zinkin said during HIS campaign when asked about a property tax. He said that he would NOT consider putting a property tax measure on the ballot UNLESS he was convinced that government was already down to the bare bones.
Hiremath then used this in his campaign by claiming that Zinkin was for a property tax. Well then, it would follow that Snider's statement meant that she was for increasing ALL taxes.
And with the utility tax vote, it's also clear that Hiremath, Snider, Hornat and Waters will raise taxes BEFORE any consideration of getting government down to the bare bones first!
Well, to be fair, bare bones to them means cutting funds to the elderly and disabled. It does not include cutting funds for town employee perks.
If you give the government more money they will spend it.
Did anyone see the OV "flyer" in the last water bill?
One of the town goals is to INCREASE the number of police officers from 2.4 per 1000 to 2.5 per 1000.
I guess that would increase the number of take home vehicles to 72.
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