In a quandary.

[piece-itpete]

I'm not sure if I like Michelle Kwan.



My municipality is trying to increase income tax from 2% to 2.25% Nov 2nd.

The mayor keeps shooting his mouth off, threatening, 'we'll become a broken window community', 'all the wealthy folks'll move out'...

Now he says they'll lay off well over a third, almost half, of the city employees.

My problem: I understand tax revenues are down, because we're not making as much money. This piece of work has done a few good things for the city, generally intersection improvements mostly paid with state or federal funds.

But the roads were already bad, and before the last tax hike he cut brush pickup - and didn't reinstate it. (and he has the balls to say we HAVE brush pickup, because if we cut them to 3' and bundle them the garbage pickup guys - which we pay $15 a month for - will take it).

Alone it seems pretty straightforward. But every municipality that touches our borders has nice roads, brush pickup, and more, and they are pretty similar to us in makeup. They are not asking for more money.

Truth I'm leaning against it. I want two things: an account of why we're not doing as well as our neighbors, and temporary, because when things get better they sure as all hell won't give it back.

Still not certain though, any thoughts?

Pete