Tag Archive for Bad Law

More Trouble With TIF

Traverse City enables more cronyism in its latest money grab.

Does a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) scheme really work?

It seems that each year, special TIF districts are set up throughout our state in order to promote growth or development of a particular economy or industry.  The revenues raised through a TIF scheme are theoretically targeted, specifically for the district raising the value of that district over a specified period of time.

But does it work well enough and is it worth the effort, and goodwill lost, as it continues to be abused by those who hold the authority?  As voters look at the millage requests on the ballot, they now see the language that reminds them that not-all-of their voted in millage will go where it is intended.

A TIF scheme is done by

You Betcha! (14)Nuh Uh.(0)

How Could They Be So Cruel?

Knee-jerk legislation can only make conditions for animals even worse.

Part of being in leadership, is to have a bigger picture of what might happen when certain decisions are made.

The scope of legislative authority carries with it great responsibility. A large part is to have an understanding of human nature, and the effect that some rules will have on people’s actions. So it is important to be able to step back and logically follow through on what might stem from a vote that is cast for any particular issue.

Rules made with the intention of limiting bad behavior often cross the line into the limiting of good or neutral behavior as well. Certain regulations and laws sometimes must necessarily encroach on an absolute freedom of the individual to do whatever is desired at the moment. Examples of this might be anti abortion measures, rules limiting the ability to marry (even those with consent) minors, drug and pornography laws, and poaching.

Our social fabric depends on certain limits and boundaries to ensure that ALL are equally protected under the law in ways that promote life, healthy families, safe communities, and maintain our vibrant resources. If all of the people in our communities behaved perfectly, had good hygiene, and gratuitously respected boundaries, such laws and rules might not be necessary.

So its no surprise that when more stories of inhumane treatment of animals appear, the natural reaction of so many is to call for more laws to protect our animal friends from being at the hands of those who are disposed to cruelty and abuse. We love our pets.  Why wouldn’t we want to promote such legislation?

You Betcha! (15)Nuh Uh.(1)