Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Shifting taxation

My column for the Daily News is online.  It’s called, “Shifting taxation.”  Here’s a snippet:

Now we get to this year. The clear message is that the Washington County sales tax is no longer a temporary measure to meet immediate concerns. Instead, it’s a permanent fixture of our tax structure to be used by the Washington County Board for whatever purpose they deem expedient at the time.

   What’s the lesson? A tax levied for whatever purpose will continue in perpetuity irrespective of the original justification for the levy.

UPDATE: The following is the West Bend School District Response:

Dear Owen,

I read your article regarding the penny solution.  In your article you do not
mention a specific school district advocating for the penny solution.

I did want to clarify that in the West Bend School District legislative platform the
penny solution is not being recommended.

The Board too understands that the penny solution does not solve the fundamental
issues that cause the issues with binding arbitration for salaries, benefits and
mandated retirement requirements.  The platform basis is to change the laws that
create the issues and not layer funding sources that continue the current
requirements.

Sincerely,

Pat Herdrich

 

(4) Comments
Posted by Owen at 0734 hrs
Politics + Politics - Wisconsin

  1. I’m certain that Ms. Hedrich will be happy to know that the Illinois legislature is now considering abrogating its pension obligations to (inter alia) the teachers.

    And guess what?  That’s perfectly legal.

    And it’s right next door.

    Posted by dad29 on August 31, 2010 at 1519 hrs


  2. This just goes to prove that when it comes right down to it there is no real difference between Dems and Repubs, once their hand is in your pocket. Independent Conservatives seem to be the only ones who actually understand what the uproar is about.
    There is still time to make a difference, at least when it comes to the Senate race, if you are brave enough to vote Westlake. The time has come to assert yourselves and refuse to vote for the “Republican party’s” choice, and make a real change by voting for Dave Westlake, the one they wouldn’t endorse.
    Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over, and over again and expecting a different outcome.


    Make a difference this year. Do what needs to be done.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 31, 2010 at 2346 hrs


  3. The other day I was handed a brochure “Why Is Everyone Talking About West Bend’s Schools”.  Makes some good points that I would be unable to dispute.

    One thing that does bug me, is the way the administration touts the fact that Newsweek has ranked the East & West High Schools among the top 5% for five years.  I see lots of magazine rankings for various things related to quality of life and they usually come off as “fluff” pieces.

    Anyway, how seriously should we value the opinion of a magazine that was recently sold for $1.00 + the assumption of millions of dollars in debt?  Just sayin’, you know!

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 01, 2010 at 1016 hrs


  4. I for one thinks its time we drop this county sales tax. Many of us live in this area or have located here because we are conservative people. We should demand no less from the people elected to represent us.

    If current county supervisors cant govern as true conservatives then we replace them at election time with others that are worthy of the title. Just because it says republican next to your name on the ballot is no longer a free ride you need to govern like a true conservative.

    If you feel unwarranted taxes should be levied as a slush fund to dip into as you please, then your out of touch with the most conservative area in the state.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 01, 2010 at 1936 hrs


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