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Tag: Inland lakes

Vote no on school bond proposal

By JGillman, Section News
Posted on Wed Apr 28, 2010 at 03:39:31 PM EST
Tags: Schools, Bonds, Michigan, Inland lakes, Special Elections, Unions (all tags)

GrannyNanny felt this needed a little more exposure than the Straitsland Resorter editorial page. Though not the traditional format, It is reproduced in its entirety as it appeared. (Somewhat like a reposting) Indeed, it has meaning to many who are continually besieged with requests for additional bond approvals.

by L. Scott Swanson, Editor
Straitsland Resorter

It's almost as if schools follow a script when trying to get a tax increase passed.

First, they try to persuade people there's some kind of crisis, an urgent crisis.

Next the board puts a tax proposal on the ballot.

Any board members expressing reservations are told that putting the proposal on the ballot is just "letting the people decide."

Supporters push the millage using standard arguments. It's for the kids. Or they minimize the increase. Rather than calling it a $2 million tax, they equate it to cups of coffee, cans of pop, doughnuts whatever - a pittance. If they can find any possible way to characterize the tax proposal as a "renewal" or an "extension," anything, but an "increase" they do that.

Then there's a spring election with nothing but school issues on the ballot. This normally means a small voter turnout. With a small turnout, a few hundred people can pass a tax increase that thousands will pay.

Before voting on May 4, Inland Lakes voters should analyze that process and think about whether they really want things to play out that way.

Continued below the fold.

(4 comments, 1295 words in story) Full Story