The voter is the decision maker

We have tax increase proposals in front of the voters in Tuesday’s Primary Vote.  The voters are the “Decision Makers” and there are plenty of groups trying to push their personal agendas to win them over.  Degrading, distortions, distractions and demonizing has people on both sides in full swing, this is no way to make an informed decision.  All this does is cause confusion and turn off many “Decision Makers” to not cast their vote.

Our leadership decided to present these proposals to the “Decision Makers” in a traditionally low turnout Primary vote.  When I read the title of this August voting event, “Primary Vote”, it implies we are deciding in the parties who to present on the November election.  This affects the parties as they decide who to place on the key election ballot, this draws a much smaller group of “Decision Makers.”

To put these issues on a “Primary Vote” is disingenuous; these proposals affect every single citizen in our City, not just the party faithful and their strategy.  When our leaders take these types of actions they do not look genuine and honest.  This should cause us to pause and question our leaders’ intent, as it turns out they work for us and we are the “Decision Makers.”

Is this how we should make our important decisions?

I have been asking some basic questions to clarify these issues and there is only silence from our leaders.  I will ask my questions again:

1. Why is this proposal in a low turnout Primary vote when a major vote is coming in November?
2. Why not ask for a renewal of the Police Funding millage without the 2.5 millage increase?
3. Why offer a non-binding promise to not use the 2.5 millage?
4.  Do you expect the next administration to hold to this non-binding promise?
5.  Why not ask for the tax increase when you need it with complete justification?
6. Do you believe the citizens and businesses can just keep paying more in taxes?

These questions are county wide and you might want to give your perspective on these issues:

1. Why should all of the Tri-County area pay for the DIA when so few actually use it?
2. Why can’t the DIA be independent like many other local and national museums?

True leadership calls for a fact based debate that presents both sides with the pros and cons so the “Decision Makers” can decide what the best choice is.  The Mayor and City Council marketing machine is in full swing with our tax dollars using distorted perspectives and scare tactics to sway the “Decision Maker” to vote their way.  This is not true leadership or good use of our tax dollars.

I am new to the Public Sector arena.  In the Private Sector if a management team took a one sided proposal to their “Decision Makers” (Board of Directors) without presenting the pros and cons they would be fired.  The “Decision Makers” (Board of Directors) need to make an informed decision with all of the facts and no spin or marketing, these decisions affect the entire organization’s future.

We are the employers of the Mayor and City Council, we are the “Decision Makers” and we expect a complete fair and balanced presentation so we can make an informed decision.

A good start is for them to answer the questions above so we can understand the true implication and motivations of these tax increase proposals.

I suggest we vote No on these proposals and ask them to come back to us in November with a proposal that gives us both sides of the issues.  Then the “Decision Makers” can make an informed decision.  We need them to be true leaders and serve all of the citizens.