http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/0227noprop7.html
No: It's 'mortgage money' to pay for charities and special-interest goodies
Feb. 27, 2006 12:00 AM
Here are the facts on Proposition 7:
There are $147.4 million worth of projects for "streets, sewers and infrastructure." The total cost will range from $309 million, the city's estimate, to $471 million, according to what the proposition question on the ballot is asking voters to authorize.
There is another $5 million project for ASU. Total cost with interest: $9 million to $14 million.
Each of these propositions has been stacked to satisfy special constituencies, at our expense. Each one of the organizations in support of the bond program will directly benefit from the bond program, at our expense.
This week we've heard it all from the proponents:
They say that bonds are "like a mortgage." But no person, nor the city, ever taken out a mortgage for contributions to non-profits, special interests and charities.
They say that bonds are "like an income tax" - the more you earn, the more you pay. However, unlike income tax, an increase in property tax, the cruelest form of taxation, results in increased taxes with no corresponding increase in your ability to pay.
They say, "Bonds are the way we've always financed infrastructure projects."
But it is unprecedented for city taxpayers in Arizona to finance a state university or non-profits and special interests through a bond issue.
They say "no new taxes." We know that's not true, since they are relying on higher property taxes you will pay this year to pay for the 2006 bond program.
They say, "We're going forward with many of these projects regardless of the will of the voters," as you can see by the downtown ASU projects moving forward even before the funds for the projects have been authorized by this bond election.
Your property taxes are going up 23 percent this year, on average. Additionally, one-half to two-thirds of the total cost of the 2006 bond program will come from your property taxes and go to pay interest.
Vote "no" on Proposition 7 to free up that money for more streets, sewers and infrastructure and also for a reduction in the property tax rate.
Jeff Greenspan is chairman of Stop Taxing Our Property, an organization that opposes the Phoenix bond program. For more information e-mail info@bondtruth.com or visit www.bondtruth.com.
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lies from Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon!
the lying mayor says - Either way, your property tax rate will remain exactly the same. It's that simple.
OK Mr Smarty Pants Mayor Gordon if there is no new taxes where will the money be spent if the voters reject the bond issue?
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/0227yesprop7.html
Yes: Investing in the basics keeps our city healthy and the future brighter
Feb. 27, 2006 12:00 AM
Proposition 7 will allocate slightly more than $147 million for street improvements and to build storm sewers, detention basins and flood control projects - an investment in basic infrastructure.
We learned from events in New Orleans what can happen when you ignore your infrastructure - and while it doesn't rain often in Phoenix, it rains hard and we have flooding.
This proposition, like the other six propositions on the March 14 ballot, is supported by people throughout Phoenix who want to invest in the city. They are people from all walks of life who are committed to building a better future.
On the other side, you've been reading about and hearing a misinformed point of view from a couple of people who simply do not understand a fundamental reality: Great cities build police and fire stations, streets and storm sewers, when they are needed. Waiting means doing without the basics.
Your "yes" votes on Propositions 1 through 7 will give you:
Police and fire stations.
Phoenix Mountains preserve improvements and park renovation.
Education, including a UA medical school and ASU's College of Nursing, and public high schools.
Health science facilities.
Street improvements.
Storm sewers.
Boys and Girls Clubs (constructing buildings).
Historic preservation.
Libraries.
Senior citizen community centers.
Youth facilities at community centers.
Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden improvements.
Affordable housing projects for families.
Voting "no" gives you nothing. Either way, your property tax rate will remain exactly the same. It's that simple.
If we want to live in a great community, then it's up to us as citizens of Phoenix to make it happen. We owe it to ourselves and our children to re-invest, to keep working hard, and to build a better future.
Join me in voting "yes" on all seven bonds.
Phil Gordon is mayor of Phoenix. For more information, visit www.phoenixfuture.com.