The clever folks in City Haul are using the liberal version of the “trickle-down” theory in an attempt to justify doubling the local gas tax.
City Council members should vote the huge tax increase, the mayor’s office is suggesting, because it will do many wonderful things locally but taxpayers throughout the nation will help pay for the projects.
Money will trickle down from the federal and state governments, which also are on an infrastructure binge.
There is no trickle-down theory in reality. It is something liberals made up in an attempt to disparage the ability of tax relief to spur the economy.
There is a substantial difference between allowing job creators to keep more of their own money and accepting money handed down by higher levels of government – money taken from ordinary Americans.
A few council members are beginning to wonder about enacting such a large increase in local taxes and are suggesting a referendum to decide the matter.
It is likely some wonder about the need for the money.
Much of it will just add to the billions spent in recent years on infrastructure.
Some $372 million will be dumped into the money pit known as the Skyway Express, which has been swallowing taxpayer money for 50 years while moving few people.
Politicians are licking their lips at the prospect of spending nearly a billion dollars more, with an election coming up in 2023.
Some seem to think voters only look at the spending and not at the taxing that makes it possible. In this case it is a regressive tax that hits the poor worst.
Much of the money would go to replacing septic tanks. Why?
There has been no showing that septic tanks are a public health problem or even that a majority of people with septic tanks want them replaced.
The gullible local media just accepts the assertion by politicians without questioning it, while claiming to be “watchdogs” over government.
Putting the matter to a vote would require such questions to be addressed.
Maybe that’s why some politicians oppose a vote of the people.
