TPS levy update - it's permanent!

Unmentioned so far, except on 1370 WSPD, is the fact that the 6.9 mill levy request that Toledo Public Schools plans to put on the November ballot is that the levy is permanent.

This means that the tax will be on your property forever.

There will be no renewal or replacement votes.

The only time you'll get a say on this is if and when you vote on November 6th.

TPS already has a permanent improvement levy for capital items (never goes away) and a bond retirement levy that will be in place until the bonds are paid off. These two, combined with the property taxes that go into their general fund, amount to about 60% of what a homeowner in the district pays in total property taxes.

For me, adding roughly $500 (the total for the value of my house and extra lot) will bump TPS up to 64% of my total property tax bill. You can check the AREIS system for your own taxes and, when the revenue from the levy is estimated, they will add the proposal to the Levy Estimator tab under the data section of your information and you'll know precisely how much this levy will cost you every year - after year...after year...after year.

I cannot stress enough how important it is going to be to communicate with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, organizations and those who endorse such measures that we need a performance audit prior to TPS asking for more money.

According to an email read on air while I was talking with Brian Wilson on WSPD this afternoon, the last performance audit TPS did was in 1998 and it identified $36 million in yearly savings. That's TWICE what they're asking for in the levy.

No more money until TPS proves to us that they've done everything they can to reduce costs and maximize efficiency!

TPS should do performance audit before asking for more money

In a special meeting this morning, the Toledo Public School board is probably going to vote to put a new property tax levy on the ballot this November. UPDATE: The vote in favor of the request was unanimous and we'll see the issue on the November ballot.

They estimate that they need 8.4 mills to address predicted shortages, but will probably approve their committee's recommendation for 6.9 mills which will cover them through their 2015 fiscal year.

A 6.9 mill levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $211 per year. In 2010, the TPS 7.8 mill levy request was handily defeated by over 10,000 votes, losing 58% to 42%.

Before they ask for more money, TPS needs to do a performance audit. Superintendent Jerome Pecko floated the idea following the defeat of their 2010 levy, but it was never done, as far as I can tell.

In a performance audit, experts from the State Auditor will come in and "objectively and systematically evaluate programs, functions and activities to help governments ensure the right things are done in the best way, maximum value is achieved for each dollar spent, and government makes the best use of the scarce resources available." The State Auditor website says that over $1 billion in savings have been identified through performance audits of various public entities.

What is Performance Auditing?

As the Auditor website explains:

Performance auditing, a non-recurring examination of the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of government, program, and functions, differs from the other audits that Ohio governments undergo. It is independent and flexible in its choice of subjects and methods.

The principles guiding performance auditing are often called the “three Es”.

•The principle of ECONOMY is keeping the cost low.
•The principle of EFFICIENCY is getting the most out of available resources.
•The principle of EFFECTIVENESS is meeting the objectives set.

A performance audit can analyze the operations of an entire entity or a particular department; it can examine a function or service that cuts across the operation or a single issue that involves several organizations.

AOS performance audits cover a range of subject areas. Common audit objectives include those evaluating economy and efficiency, program achievement and design, service levels and priorities for resource allocation, and operational costs and workloads. The audit may identify cost savings, duplicative or underused services that could be reduced or eliminated, and gaps and overlaps in services.

TPS should seek a comprehensive, complete system audit with the goal of identifying ways to reduce costs before they tell us that they have no other alternative but to raise taxes.

Performance audits are not free, but many entities are eligible for financial assistance through the LEAP Fund. Additionally, they can take 4-6 months because of the nature of the examination. However, a performance audit may show enough savings that TPS won't need a 6.9 mill levy - or any levy at all (we can hope).

TPS should want a performance audit before asking for more money. It won't just identify ways to save money, it will show options for improving the effectiveness of their educational goals - after all, it is 'for the children.'

It will also give them an unbiased and objective justification for any funds they may need to seek. Their levy will have a much higher chance of passage if they can first show the voters that they've sought and implemented cost savings and efficiency improvements.

Call your TPS board members and insist that they seek a performance audit before asking an already tapped-out community for more money.

Phone number for all board members 419-671-8200.

TPS does not provide email addresses for its board members though it has a form on their website where you can fill in the blanks and send your message to all or any of the board members. That form is here.

Here are the board members:

Lisa Sobecki, President
Brenda Hill, Vice President
Dr. Cecelia Adams, Member
Larry Sykes, Member
Bob Vasquez, Member

Also, call other elected officials and organizations (chambers of commerce, unions, political parties, etc...) who endorse and ask them to insist on an audit performance first. Public pressure is the only way we'll be able to accomplish what the board should have done already.

Quote of the Day - opposition

A Quote of the Day while I get caught up on emails and news after a weekend in Columbus at a terrific Citizen Watchdog training session.

"Opposition, n. In politics the party that prevents the government from running amuck by hamstringing it." ~ Ambrose Bierce

Quote of the Day - hypocrisy

"Those who take the most from the table, teach contentment. Those for whom the taxes are destined, demand sacrifice. Those who eat their fill, speak to the hungry, of wonderful times to come. Those who lead the country into the abyss, call ruling difficult, for ordinary folk." ~ Bertolt Brecht

Instant Justice for Sociopaths -- Semper Justitia

I receive regular emails from The Patriot Post, including essays written by Mark Alexander. Instant Justice for Sociopaths was yesterday's column and I've excerpted the first part below. I hope you'll take the time to read the entire post - it's an example of how to do things right. I've bolded my favorite line in the piece:

Sometimes the good guys win

"Among the natural rights [of the people] are these: first, a right to life; secondly, to liberty; thirdly to property; together with the right to support and defend them in the best manner they can." --Samuel Adams (1772)

"White Man Kills Two Unarmed Black Men"

Fortunately, that's not a real headline, but it is the type of hype that emblazons the top of the fold and 24-hour cable news spin "Special Reports."

However, after investigating a case in Onslow County (Jacksonville/Camp Lejeune), North Carolina, the district attorney made sure that justifiable self-defense did not become fodder for a media feeding frenzy sponsored by race hustlers Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. He did so by never mentioning the race of the victim who shot two black men. In fact, none of the Jacksonville investigators or media outlets have mentioned the race of the shooter. (How the DA achieved that media color-blind cooperation should be a case-study for every city in the nation.)

Heck, if anyone suggested this case might be spun on race, even Barack Hussein Obama might make a campaign stop in North Carolina to issue this proclamation about the two men killed: "If I had sons, they would look like Maurice Skinner and Diego Everette." (Recall that our Agitator-in-Chief brought the Zimmerman/Martin case in Florida to a national boiling point by announcing, "If I had a son, he would look like Trayvon.")

However, District Attorney Ernest R. Lee is a modest and humble man singularly devoted to Rule of Law rather than egomaniacal facetime in the national media. Thus, he chose to take the high road. In an interview, Lee told me, "Race, gender, socio-economic status -- these are not factors in this case nor should they be. What mattered was gaining a clear understanding of the facts in this case and applying the law."

Since you've likely heard nothing about this case, allow me to enlighten you.

Read the rest of the essay here.

Quote of the Day - democracy

"Democracy consists of choosing your dictators, after they've told you what you think it is you want to hear." ~ Alan Corenk

Sure - go ahead and make my allergies a crime

My latest post on government regulation of my nose, allergies and treatments is up at Watchdog.org.

Government wants in my nose

Hope you'll read it - and all the other great Watchdog stories from around the nation.

And if you're interested in being a watchdog yourself, check this out.

Michelle Malkin at NWO Conservative Conference

I've known for a while that Michelle Malkin had accepted an invitation to appear at the Northwest Ohio Conservative Conference May 19 in Perrysburg, but until the official announcement, I couldn't blog about it.

However, the word is out, so now you know.

Matt Kibbe, President and CEO of FreedomWorks, will give the opening remarks at 9 a.m. Having heard him in Charlotte at BlogCon, I know you'll appreciate his wit, knowledge and perspective.

Malkin will close the day-long session with her address at 3:15 p.m. She'll also participate in a panel discussion about using social media. I will be on that panel as well.

The cost of the conference is $25 for adults, $15 for students. You can register here. It will at the Hilton Garden Inn on Levis Commons Blvd.

Hope you'll join us!

Press Release issued:

May 10, 2012 PERRYSBURG, OHIO

The Northwest Ohio Conservative Conference announced today that Michelle Malkin will be the keynote speaker for the upcoming event, May 19, 2012. Malkin, a conservative blogger, political commentator, syndicated columnist and author, is also a Fox News Channel contributor and has been a guest on MSNBC, C-SPAN, and multiple national radio programs.

Conference Chairman John McAvoy says; “Michelle Malkin brings spirit, enthusiasm, and a focused conservative message. We couldn’t ask for a better person to help energize NW Ohio, and we owe a debt of gratitude to Americans for Prosperity for helping pull this together.”

Ohio is a key battleground state in the upcoming Presidential elections, and the goal of the conference is to provide voters with education and information regarding conservative positions in order to make informed decisions. The event will open with Matt Kibbe, President and CEO of Freedom Works, and will also include breakout sessions focusing on topics including the Ohio Workplace Freedom Amendment, healthcare, voter ID and voter fraud, and discussions on the 2nd and 10th amendments. Nationwide, state and local groups will be in attendance, from Freedom Works and Americans for Prosperity to the Buckeye Institute and Ohio Liberty Council.

NW Ohio Conservative Coalition’s Linda Boyer says; “Saturdays going to be a day of unity and education for conservative governance.” Linda went on to say; “If Benjamin Franklin and our founding fathers could stroll into the main hall on Saturday, they’d look around and be proud that we’ve been able to keep the Republic that they gave us.”

The event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn at Levis Commons in Perrysburg, Ohio, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The registration fee is $25.00 per person, which includes lunch. As space is limited, pre-registration is advised. Tickets are available at www.nwohioconservativeconference.com. Additionally, participants who need to register to vote may do so on-site.

Evolving or flip-flopping?

Think about it: if a Republican had a position, then backtracked on the position, then modified the position, then claimed to be 'thinking' about the position and then, just before an election came back around to the original position, do you think the media - or anyone, for that matter - would be praising that?

But that's exactly what has happened with President Barack Obama's flip-flopping on gay marriage.

As the Weekly Standard's Elliott Abrams writes (emphasis added):

In fact, Obama has not “evolved”—he has changed his position whenever his political fortunes required him to do so. Running for the Illinois state senate from a trendy area of Chicago in 1996, he was for gay marriage. “I favor legalizing same-sex marriages,” he wrote in answer to a questionnaire back then. In 2004, he was running for the U.S. Senate and needed to appeal to voters statewide. So he evolved, and favored civil unions but opposed homosexual “marriage.” In 2008, running for president, he said, “I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. I am not in favor of gay marriage.” Now in 2012, facing a tough reelection campaign where he needs energized supporters of gay “marriage” and has disappointed them with his refusal to give them his support, he is for it. To paraphrase John Kerry, he was for it before he was against it before he was for it again.

So he was for it, then he supported civil unions, then he opposed it, then he was 'evolving' and now he's for it again.

Really?

Do you actually believe he's suddenly seen the light? Or has he stuck his finger in the air to find out which way the wind is blowing?

And if he originally supported gay marriage, then said he believed marriage was between a man and a woman and now says he supports gay marriage again, did he ever truly believe marriage was between a man and a woman in the middle?

If you supported him because he supported traditional marriage, did you not look at his record previously?

If you support him now because he supports gay marriage, do you think he will change his mind yet again?

Had this been a true change of heart, he wouldn't be full circle back to what he believed in 1996.

We all need to be honest with ourselves and call this what it is, regardless of our political parties, position on the issue, political philosophy or who we plan to vote for in November.

This is not 'evolving.' This is flip-flopping. To call it anything else is hypocrisy.

Toledo City Council Meeting - May 8, 2012

Notes from Sherry:

In attendance: Councilmen Ludeman, Martinez, Copeland, Craig, Sarantou, Collins, Waniewski, McNamara, Steel, Riley, Councilwomen Webb, Hicks-Hudson, Mayor Bell, Deputy Mayor Herwat.

Item 220 - Appointment – Director of Human Resources – Ellen Graycheck - Collins – excellent appointment – thanks Herwat for it – Craig – says the same as Collins – confirmed – all voting yes.

Item 134 – Appointment – Director of Inspection – Chris Sirvoles (could be wrong, hard to hear) – Hicks-Hudson – she has received answers, but they haven't been sufficient – confirmed – Hicks-Hudson, no – rest yes.

Item 221 – Resolution – Recognize Girl Scouts on their 100th anniversary – adopted – all voting yes. Toledo was the first Chapter of Girl Scouts in the Country.

Item 222 – Resolution – Recognize National Drinking Water Week, May 6 – 12, 2012 – (Director Welch and company in attendance from DPU.) Many Council people talking about the needs of the DPU Department, nice to have clean drinking water, and the necessity of why our rates had to go up – adopted – all voting yes.

Item 223 – Resolution – Recognize Toledo School for the Arts – adopted – all voting yes. (Excellent school – step-daughter went there, graduated in 2004. SZ)

Item 225 – Placement of marine anchor monument at Cullen Park – passed – all voting yes. Webb – thank you for passing this – three people in the room working on this park – dredging has been done there, along with other work for the park.

Item 168 – Resolution – Levy assessments for sanitary sewer for N. Detroit Ave., Dearden Place and Birdsall Road – passed – Webb, no – rest yes. Webb – I thought that this should be spread over 30 years – especially for the homeowners.

Item 197 – Appropriation for new roof at Collins Park Water Treatment Plant, $9,200,000 Water Bond Fund – passed – all voting yes. Webb – would like to see reports.

Item 198 – Appropriation for additional chlorine facility at Collins Park Water Treatment Plant, $5,050,000 Water Bond – passed – all voting yes.

Item 200 – Appropriation for vehicles & equipment at Collins Park Water Treatment Plant, $400,000 Water Replacement – passed – all voting yes.

Item 203 – Appropriation for chemical lab testing equipment for Collins Park Water Treatment Plant, $200,000 Water replacement – passed – all voting yes.

Item 210 – Amend TMC Ch. 930, sewer discharge control program for Environmental Services – passed – all voting yes.

Item 224 – Designate intersection of Erie and Jefferson as Joseph Wicks Way - 1st Reading. (Just wait till next week. SZ)

Item 226 – Amend plan documents for City employment benefits to include domestic partners – to HR & Finance Committee. (Another “wait till next week” item. SZ)

Item 227 – Agreement with downtown Toledo Improvement District (DTID) for 2012 events in Levis Square – passed – all voting yes.

Item 228 – Sale of Hyde Park (341 W. Central) to Lucas City Land Reutiliz Corp. for split to adjacent owners, $600 - 1st Reading.

Item 229 – Land exchange between City (301 S. Erie St.) and River Road Redevelopment II LLC (329 S. Erie St.) - passed – all voting yes.

Item 230 – Appropriate and expend 21st Year HOME funds $1,682,898 – Collins - where does the money go? Administration – this would be an acceptance of the money. Collins – question of distribution of funds. Adm. - Funds will be ready on July 1st, application for ESG due on May 15th Martinez – over $50,000 we don't have authority over. Herwat – appropriate funds for ESG. Fix frame for ESG. Herwat – repeats his prior statements. Martinez – expedite recommendation – passed – McNamara abstaining, rest voting yes.

Item 231 – Appropriate only (no expenditure) 26th Year Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds $610,343 – passed – all voting yes.

Item 232 – Expenditure to purchase grader dozer for SB&H demolition program, $95,000 Demolition Trust Fund – Craig – received information asked for – trying to make it a faster project -passed – all voting yes.

Item 233 – Appropriation for maintenance shop/stockroom at Collins Park Water Treatment Plant, $200,000 Water Bond – passed – all voting yes.

Item 234 – Appropriation for parts/services for pumping system at Collins Park Water Treatment Plant, $200,000 Water Replacement – passed – all voting yes.

Item 235 – Re-appropriation for purchase of instrumentation, valves & equipment for Water Treatment, $160,000 Water - passed – all voting yes.

Item 236 – Re-appropriation for Westwood Ave. Bridge from SB & H to Engineering Services, $800,000 CIP Fund – passed – all voting yes.

Item 237 – Dedicate certain areas of Woodville Rd. from High Level Bridge to City limit as public right-of-way – passed – all voting yes.

Item 238 – Resolution – Street Lighting – Kelsey Ave. from Valleywood Dr. to Spring Grove Ave. - adopted – all voting yes.

Item 239 – Expenditure to Solar Turbines for operation/maintenance of Co-Generation Facility, $1,878,913 Sewer – passed – all voting yes.

Item 240 – Contracting authority for Purchasing for goods, materials & services during 2012 with 1 year renewal - 1st Reading.

Item 241 – additional U. S. EPA Air Grant for Environmental Services, $28,480 – passed – all voting yes.

Item 242 – Appropriation for vehicles, equipment & computers for Environmental Services, $100,000 Storm Water & Water Replacement – passed – all voting yes.

Item 243 – Resolution – Vacate 40' r-o-w known as Bailey Place – adopted – all voting yes.

Item 244 – Resolution – Vacate 40' r-o-w, Gens Drive – adopted – all voting yes.

Item 196 – Establish and enforce Berkey Fixed Rate for existing water consumers in the Village of Berkey – Hold till May 22nd . This needs 3 readings.

Item 245 – Contract with David Lindstrom MD for Medical direction for Fire $ Rescue, 3 years +options, $70,000 GF – Steel – how can we affect this, budget passed. Herwat – required by State law, he dispenses drugs Steel – this is a 1 year contract. Herwat – this is a 3 year contract, can cancel after a year – passed – all voting yes.

Last Call:

Ludeman – Need response on grass cutting on the A. W. Trail.

Martinez – Condolences to the young man's family at St. Johns. Happy Mothers Day to the Mothers.

Riley – thanks for the help at Warfield Park.

Sarantou – congrats to the 39 Police Officers that graduated.

Steel – Demolition on Collingwood, Happy Mothers Day -Tax Department – numbers on small businesses.

Waniewski – 3640 Rushland – look at tree. District 5 newsletter out.

Webb – Red Cross – working a Blood Drive 5/12 & 13.

Collins – Saturday was dump day at Woodsdale, thanks to Ludeman who was there.

Hicks-Hudson – Thanks the Administration about Collingwood – landbank. Kudos to the Firemen in her District, over 4,000 runs last year – good luck to the Police Officers (graduates) – new bike racks downtown, need to dig out her bike.

McNamara – Rules adjusted in the packets.

Update on Citizen Watchdog Training this weekend

You don't want to miss the Citizen Watchdog training this weekend in Westerville, Ohio, and there's still time to register.

If you use the code TOPACTIVIST, they'll waive the $10 fee. You can register here. This is the updated agenda:

9:00 – 9:30am – Welcome and Introduction To Citizen Watchdog Program
Mary Ellen Beatty, Franklin Center
Katie Eagan, Americans for Prosperity-Ohio

9:30am – 10:45am – Investigative Reporting: Breaking Stories That Force Change
Todd Shepherd, Independence Institute

Learn to think like an investigative reporter, identify potential leads and expose backdoor deals at the municipal and state levels. In his six year reporting career between Oklahoma City and Denver, Todd has broken numerous stories, and is the winner of three regional Edward R. Murrow awards, one of those for investigative reporting.

10:45-11:15am – Follow Your Money: Local Government Spending in Ohio
Greg Lawson, Buckeye Institute

11:15-11:45am – An Overview of Ohio Public Records Law
Maggie Thurber, Former Lucas County Commissioner

11:45am – 1:00pm – James O’Keefe – Exposing the Establishment Media: Telling the Real Story
Lunch and Keynote Speaker

1:00pm-1:15pm – Break

1:15-1:45pm – How To Be a Video Activist
Jason Hart, MediaTrackers.org

1:45-2:45pm – Legal Tools to Protect Your Liberties and Empower Citizens
Chris Finney, Citizens Against Spending and Taxation (COAST)
Maurice Thompson- 1851 Center for Constitutional Law

2:45-3:00pm - Break

3:00-4:00 - Social Media 101: Using New Media to Create Public Pressure
Tabitha Hale, Franklin Center

4:00-5:00pm- PANEL: Holding Your School Districts Accountable: Exposing Waste and Abuse in Ohio Public Education
Moderator: Katie Eagan, Americans for Prosperity- Ohio
Matt Mayer, Provisum Strategies LLC
Marc Schare, Worthington School Board Member
Jason Warner, School Choice Ohio
Seth Morgan, AFP-OH Policy Director

Hope to see you there!

Quote of the Day - government spending

A little note of wisdom that Council members Lindsay Webb and Steven Steel should remember:

"It is a general maxim that all governments find a use for as much money as they can raise. Indeed, they have commonly demands for more...I take this as a settled truth, that they will all spend as much as their revenue; that is, will live up to their income." ~ James Smith, during the debate to ratify the Constitution

Just say NO to Toledo Recreation Levy - even if it is 'for the children'

Are we not Taxed Enough Already? Why in the world would two city council members want to add to our costs in one of the worst economies in our lifetimes?

Are they stuck-on-stupid?

According to The Blade, District 6 Councilwoman Lindsay Webb and At-Large Councilman Steven Steel want to put a 1 mill recreation property tax levy on the ballot in November. The levy would raise about $3 million per year and they say it would be a dedicated fund to pay for recreation programs only.

We've heard that line before. Our Capital Improvement Program Fund (CIP) is supposed to pay for capital projects only - yet they divert funds from it regularly to pay for every day expenses that exceed the amount of the general fund revenue. They've diverted, at last count, $50 million from the CIP in the last several years and plan to raid an additional $12 million to cover 2012 expenses.

Toledoans have seen, all too often, how 'dedicated' such funds really are, especially when politicians decide we just have to have one of their pet projects.

But let's look at the idea of funding recreation for kids with a tax levy.

The local daily presents sob stories of how kids in the past used to be able to rely upon the city for everything from free arts and crafts to sailing lessons. Now, with the city in dire financial straights (we're raiding our CIP every year, don't forget), items of lesser priorities than roads, sewers, police and fire have been eliminated. There is only so much money to go around and, properly, the city has cut services which are not necessary.

This is not to say that certain groups didn't want those services to continue, but just like in our personal budgets, when we don't have enough money to pay for our rent/mortgage, food or gas, we cut out things like eating out and going to the movies.

But, but, but, they say - what about the children?!?

What makes these two Democrats think that parents who cannot afford to enroll their kids in a local, privately-run program can afford an additional tax on their property?

Well, you suggest, if everyone in the city is paying the tax, then it will end up being less for the parents to pay since all their neighbors and people they don't know will be paying as well, regardless of whether or not they participated in the programs when they were younger - or have kids to participate in them today (or yet in the future). Collectivism is what this becomes - everyone paying so a very small number can have a benefit.

And here I thought Democrats were all about 'fairness.' How is it fair to tax me because some parent wants recreation for their kids for free????

Over the weekend, I attended my cousin's graduation from college (summa cum laude and we are all so proud of her). The keynote speaker was a woman from a local philanthropic trust who said they are relying upon today's graduates to help them understand what they need in order to be successful entrepreneurs. One way is NOT to tax everyone to pay for things that people can do on their own.

From the story:

Point Place resident Celina Dusseau remembers the fun she had at city-run summer activities in nearby Friendship Park when she was younger. Now 16, Celina said she looked into volunteering for one of the park programs she used to attend, only to find out they no longer exist.

"It was disappointing," she said. "I wanted to be able to do that with the kids in the neighborhood. … It was such a big part of my childhood."

What a phenomenal opportunity for Ms. Dusseau! She wanted to volunteer - to offer her services for free. She can still do so. She can put together her own program. She can offer to supervise and come up with ideas and she could charge a minimal amount for materials and supplies. She can talk to her neighbors and those in the area with kids and could probably, with the support of council members, get a free room or place at the same local park where she could offer the program.

Here's what she'd learn: that parents would be willing to pay a small (or perhaps even a medium or large) amount for their kids to participate, thus leading to a successful business venture that might, over time and with the proper planning, turn into a national business (I dream big). Or she will find out that there is no interest in such things - at least, not with today's technology (video games, computers, etc...) that makes the traditional arts & crafts for kids seem lame. She may find that there is such a small and limited interest that it costs too much to offer for the amount of participation.

If she finds the first scenario, then there is no need for the government to tax us for this. In fact, the refusal of government to tax us for such a service may end up providing that same government with business income taxes, employment taxes (from the people she'll have to hire) and the multiplier effect of her purchasing items from local companies.

If she finds the latter scenario, it begs the question of why the city would tax everyone in the city for a venture that has limited or no appeal?

The article also says, but doesn't provide attribution for, this:

A tax proposal would allow residents a voice in determining the city's priorities.

Nothing could be further from the truth!

All this proposed levy would do is appeal to the emotions of voters (it's for the children, remember?) and to people who want others to pay for things they want but don't want to pay for themselves.

In order for this to "allow" residents a voice in determining the city's priorities, it would have to be placed against other funding - like for police, fire, roads, building inspection, water, sewers, sidewalks, bikepaths, public art, etc...

We don't get to go to the polls and select which items we want to pay for, we are only asked if we want to pay for individual items, usually one at a time.

And since when do cities "allow" their residents to have a voice? Obviously the author of the statement has forgotten that these elected officials are supposed to work for ALL the residents - they are not in office to cater to small groups at the expense of everyone else. Elected officials work for us. Their obligation is to listen to us, not 'allow' us to instruct them in what we want done.

The article then does the classical logical fallacy of appealing to authority. They trot out Woody Woodward, executive director at the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association, who was "taken aback" at the decline of our parks.

"I've seen municipal recreation departments all over the state, seen the conditions of facilities, and it is very clear that Toledo has not invested in their parks and recreation programs at a level that is probably commensurate with what other cities are expending throughout Ohio," he said. "It almost feels like, at some point, parks and recreation ceased to be a priority ...

Oh my! Everyone else is doing it and we're not! And here is where my mother would say, "if everyone is jumping off a bridge...."

But Woodward hits the nail on the head, "parks and recreation ceased to be a priority." Yes - when we have no money to pay for our roads, when we cannot travel without needing a dentist appointment immediately thereafter, when the city cuts back on essentials, non-mandatory expenses are cut - as they should be! So when we have all these other unmet NEEDS, it's no wonder that wants like parks and recreation are lower on the priority list.

Again, to think otherwise is 'stuck-on-stupid.'

But let's not just rely upon one expert, let's bring in a second one to claim that if we don't have recreation, kids will turn to crime. Well, he doesn't exactly say that, but it is certainly implied, complete with a central city teen to tug at the heartstrings:

Councilmen Webb and Steel voice concerns that people will leave Toledo if public parks and recreation are not improved. They and others also fear that lack of accessible recreation options for the city's youth could be a factor in increased gang activity and violent crime.

"Ever since I've been here, there's been fewer and fewer [recreation programs]," he said. "I think with the older adolescents, you'll see kids getting into activities that they shouldn't be getting into. And I think with the younger ones, it impacts what they do in school."

Major Smith, 17, who lives in the central city, said he's seen negative effects from lack of recreational opportunities among youths in his neighborhood and in his own family, although he's tried to avoid negative influences himself. Some youths get involved in gangs because they have nothing better to do, he said. "They're just kids that are looking for a way. They just have nowhere to be, nothing to do," he said. "They're just lost."

I thought this was why we were opening the pools!

Besides, what about all the private and non-profit groups who are already providing recreational services - like the Boys & Girls Club, YMCA and local community centers? The city would be in competition with these private groups and imposing a tax means that such entities are more at risk of losing their private funding.

(Oh - and the membership at the Boys & Girls Club? It's only $3 for kids age 7-15 and $5 for kids 16-18. If you can't afford $3 or $5 for your kid, how will you afford this tax levy?!?)

Mr. Smith - here's your opportunity. Begin your own program - you'll probably offer something more relevant and interesting than anything the city could ever come up with its 'one-size-fits-all' approach because it knows of no other. And you'll be a role model, as well, something so lacking in too many areas of our city. But don't get trapped into thinking that every want and need you have should be met by the government!

Some will join this effort to raise our taxes saying parks will help attract companies. They *always* say that, but I have yet to find a single company that has listed local parks as the primary reason for moving a business into an area.

And it won't help us keep residents either. In fact, another tax could be the straw that broke the camel's back when it comes to deciding on a house in Toledo or a suburban community.

As WSPD is reporting this morning, since the city requirement that employees live within the city limits was struck down by the Ohio Supreme Court, "public safety forces have moved out of the city in droves."

In fact, nearly 40 percent of the police and firefighting forces now live outside Toledo.

Out of 690 people on the police payroll, 427 live within Toledo's city limits. (38.1% live elsewhere)

There are 526 city employees with the Toledo fire department, including civilians. Of those, 320 live in Toledo. (39.2% outside Toledo)

Overall, 1,216 public safety employees work in Toledo, but fewer than 750 (747) reside in the city. (38.5 % live outside the city)

Councilman Tom Waniewski would like to find out why. I guarantee you that 'lack of parks and recreation' isn't going to be in the top five reasons!

The bottom line is that we are Taxed Enough Already. We have high unemployment, declining retirements, Social Security and Medicare are bankrupt and probably not going to be around when I'm ready to retire, my Toledo roads suck (there's just no better word), my trash tax that was supposed to be reduced to zero quite some time ago is still going up, we've cut back on our luxuries in order to cover our bills and plan for our future ... and now my councilwoman (I live in District 6) wants to raise my taxes so someone else's kids (a fraction of the population) can (maybe) do art projects in the parks in the summer.

Fortunately, they say they want to put this on the ballot so we are "allowed" a say.

Here's my 'say': don't wait for November. Call these two council members now and tell them to stop with their plans to raise taxes. It's the last thing we *need* in this city.

Their number, by the way, is 419-245-1050. Email is Lindsay.Webb@toledo.oh.us and Steven.Steel@toledo.oh.us

WSPD has a Speedy Poll on the issue if you'd like to weigh in on the issue.

Remember, it is the responsibility of PARENTS - not cities - to provide recreational activities for their kids.

Turn tail and run - Brave Sir Robin is our hero

Sometimes humor can do more for an issue than any amount of logic, reason, sanity or any other argument. And no one does satirical humor like Monty Python. So when you find a good piece on 'stand your ground' laws using Monty Python, how can you resist?

In response to the growing trend of liberals using just about anything as an excuse to de-arm Americans comes this biting satire that I just had to share with you. It's an article by Attorney Evan Nappen, Esq., General Counsel and one of the five corporate Directors of Pro-Gun New Hampshire, Inc. (www.PGNH.org) and I found it on the Buckeye Firearms Association web site.

The new bill would impose a national duty to retreat at all times when one encounters a criminal threat or is about to become a victim of violent crime. New York City Mayor Bloomingidiot has made passage of the "TTR" a centerpiece of his national "Second Chance at Shoot First" campaign. The mayor heartily approved of TTR, especially since bodyguards of celebrities, VIP’s, and political figures were exempted.

When the President was asked about TTR at a recent press conference he expressed his eager support. He said "Great Britain has long banned self defense" and "Americans need to be brave, like Sir Robin." The President then quoted a passage from the classic British tale of Sir Robin:

"Brave Sir Robin ran away. Bravely ran away, away. When danger reared its ugly head, he bravely turned his tail and fled. Yes, brave Sir Robin turned about. And gallantly he chickened out. Bravely taking to his feet. He beat a very brave retreat. Bravest of the brave, Sir Robin!"

Read more.

For those of you not familiar with Brave Sir Robin:

Perhaps Sherrod Brown is part of the problem in the 'war on women'

wow...yesterday's article from Big Government on Sherrod Brown:

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) has put himself at the center of the Democrats’ latest meme: the war on women. Brown recently launched his “Women For Sherrod Brown” subgroup; in doing so, he stated, “There’s a war on women’s rights in Ohio and across the country by some who don’t want women to be in charge of their own health care decisions. I remain committed to ensuring that the voices of Ohio’s women are always heard in the United States Senate.” One of the chief points of Brown’s political agenda has been the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.

And tomorrow, President Obama is slated to use Brown to launch his formal re-election campaign in Columbus, Ohio.

But perhaps Brown isn’t the best person to lead off the Obama campaign – particularly not if the “war on women” is to remain one of Obama’s key campaign themes. Divorce records from Brown’s first marriage, obtained by Breitbart News, show that during the contentious proceedings, his wife accused him of “extreme cruelty” and “harassment”; she said she was “in fear for the safety … of myself and our children,” and accused Sherrod of “physical violence.” In fact, she said, Brown had “struck and bullied me on several different occasions.” The allegations apparently first became fodder for campaigning during Brown’s race for Congress in 1992.

Read more here.

New website - Statehouse News Online

I wanted to let you know that Tom Blumer, BizzyBlog, and I have recently begun writing for Statehouse News Online. We'll both be doing regular posts, sharing information and perspective on items of interest within the state of Ohio.

Statehouse News is the brainchild of the Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity, "a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting new media journalism." They are the sponsor of the Citizen Watchdog training I've been talking and writing about (here and here), though they are not responsible for anything that appears on the Statehouse News site.

StateHouseNewsOnline.com is a collection of independent journalists covering state-specific and local government activity. StatehouseNewsOnline.com is the national leading news website dedicated to providing news from the nation’s state capitols. The news website networks with dozens of state-based news organizations to provide in depth coverage of state legislation, government & special interests, state budgets and political/campaign news.

The site contains both straight news reporting and commentary, often covering stories traditional media miss - or don't have the time to fully investigate.

My first post, "Ohio: Good marks in economic ranking, but still room for improvement," takes at look at how Ohio ranked in the recent Rich States, Poor States annual report.

Tom's most recent "Ohio employment: A tale of three cities," analyzes President Barack Obama's claim that bailing out the auto industry is the reason for the decreased unemployment in the state.

Yesterday, I took a look at the questions that should have been asked at an anti-gun press conference where Columbus Democrats called on a Republican to cancel her 'Shoot for Liberty' fundraiser at a gun club.

I hope you'll make Statehouse News a regular stop - and if you have a news tips or story that isn't getting the attention it deserves, let me know!

Quote of the Day - spiking the football

A group of were discussing the recent President Barack Obama ad that mentions his decision to go after Osama bin Laden. The ad can be viewed here.

Presidents use their wartime decision-making in re-election campaign ads all the time. It's not unusual. But our discussion revolved around this president's opposition to what his predecessor, Pres. George W. Bush, had done, only to then brag about continuing along the same path.

Some, including Veterans for a Strong America, took exception to the way Pres. Obama bragged:

Which leads us to today's Quote of the Day from a friend who had just viewed both videos. Because of the type of work performed, my friend needs to remain anonymous, but did grant permission to use the quote:

The video is just perfect. And it pisses me off, even more than I was already pissed off seeing live coverage on my television 10 seconds ago watching Diane Sawyer say this is a historic night with the first Presidential address from a combat zone. These disgusting, gutless people who harped endlessly about a "Mission Accomplished" sign, who declared the war lost and wanted to cut and run before the "surge," who called our country torturers for doing what surely played a role in the eventual finding of bin Laden and now want to take credit for it all. At the expense of brave, selfless American heroes. And they do it all for the sake of political posturing. I am exercising exceptional restraint right now. I really want to rip Obama, Reid, Pelosi and lying excuses for American journalists a new one. Sometimes I really wish I could still say/blog whatever I wanted and this is definitely one of those times. It is probably better that I can't though. The only words I can think of that even come close to expressing the way I feel are the ones my husband, a Marine Corps vet, doesn't even use any more.

I think a lot of people feel the same way, which is why the ad is being soundly criticized:

Barack Obama’s “I Shot Bin Laden!” ad might be the worst political move he’s ever made. It tops the list because, unlike his many other foul-ups (50 percent structural youth unemployment, skyrocketing debt, supporting post-birth abortion), this is a rare example of him getting something completely right and then turning it into something horribly wrong. The man is so politically tone deaf he makes Joe Biden look like Machiavelli.

It's one thing to be hypocritical - it's another to do so badly.

Blogger issues

For some reason, blogger isn't accepting my Quote of the Day post. It keeps telling me an "&" is not allowed in a link - but I don't have any "&" in any links. I'm highly frustrated and have decided to go away for a bit and come back to it later. I apologize because it's a really good quote from a friend about the latest Obama Campaign ad.

I'm going to play with my little cousin Noah (3 years old) for a bit and come back to politics later.

Be sure to check back!

Robber baron or financial wizard?

The Washington Free Beacon has taken a look at how candidates for office are judged on their business background and success. Not surprisingly, they find that whether the candidate is portrayed as a robber baron or a financial wizard depends upon ... wait for it ... political party!

In Good Business, Bad Business they write:

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney’s business record has been classified as a liability according to prominent talking heads and leading newspapers, while Democrats with similar backgrounds of financial success have been praised for their business acumen.

They looked at stories about presidential candidate Mitt Romney and Sen. Mark Warner. Most know of Romney's success, but in case you don't remember, Sen. Warner was a venture capitalist in the telecommunications industry where he managed to earn a personal fortune of $200 million.

As the Free Beacon explains, the Washington Post questioned Romney's impact the "costs of a modern capitalism that embraces creative destruction" but failed to question "the impacts of Warner’s investments on pay-phone sales or the employment prospects of employees who put up telephone wires, another example of creative destruction."

All this contributes to the perception (fact?) of media bias:

The press’s treatment of Romney gives further credence to allegations of bias, conservative media critics say.

“There’s an inherent ignorance of business and economics in newsrooms, so reporters rely on a Rolodex consisting of liberal contacts that reinforce what reporters already believe,” said Dan Gainor of the Media Research Center. “The default position is that businessman are evil, but if they find out the guy’s on their side, then he’ll get a pass.”

What a surprise!

Soak the Rich Game

Fellow blogger, Ohioan and friend Jason Hart, created a terrific and fun game/graphic that allows you to "Soak the Rich" by giving you a turn at solving America’s $15.6 Trillion national debt.

It explains:

Politicians, the editorial page of The New York Times, the talent at CNN, and the average Fine Arts professor agree: the answer to America’s debt crisis is to make The Rich pay their “fair share.” With this consensus from such a broad swath of America’s leading minds, who are we to argue?

Let’s start with a realistic goal: the 2011 federal deficit of $1.3 Trillion. Click an industry to double income taxes on the nation’s largest employers and take all of their CEOs’ pay. For more information, simply click each industry you’d like to soak. Track your progress below, and click the “Show Results” button at any time to see the impact of your new taxes!

It shows a bunch of green (the color of money) boxes representing industries from Aerospace to Utilities. Below that is a red (color of debt) progress bar. Each individual tick on the progress bar equals $2.16 Billion in new taxes.

As you select an industry, an information box pops up. For instance, I selected Oil & Gas - evil companies that they are - and found this:

Soak Marathon Oil Corp. and the 39 other Oil & Gas companies in the S&P 500 index?

Doubling corporate income taxes and taking CEO pay will provide $63.9 billion in new taxes, undercut 22.1 billion shares of stock, and threaten 672,685 jobs.

Don't worry... some of those jobs are overseas!

Of course, my choice was "soak 'em" and not "cancel" which resulted in the progress bar turning green for about a quarter of an inch. So much for evil oil and gas.

You can then 'check your results' to see what you've accomplished. For my Oil & Gas selection, I managed to cover 4.8% of a single year's federal deficit. Oh - and with that same amount of money I could have bought "Wembley Stadium, a baker's dozen Boeing 787s, a Porsche 911 Turbo for yourself and each of your 99 closest friends, and 5 Manhattan penthouses overlooking Central Park with a cool $1 billion & change left over."

Check it out for yourself here and see if you can solve the budget crisis. Oh - be sure to share it with anyone who spouts off that taxing the rich is the solution.