The Library Tax

[Robin Garr]

They are excited about stopping more taxes.

This nation was built on a fight for taxation with representation, and for the first 200 years of our history good citizens understood that taxation with representation is the fairest possible way for a community to govern itself.

In the past 20 years or so, the selfish notion that tax-supported programs are inherently bad has gained traction among a certain segment of the population.

That segment, without regard for its numbers, is hardly something for the rest of us to be proud of.

I'd love to be selfish and stop paying taxes. Who wouldn't? But, the truth of the matter is that a civilized society requires everyone to chip in. People want more cops to fight crime, as long as they don't have to pay for it. People want better roads and bridges to reduce traffic and commute times, as long as they don't have to pay for it. People want bigger jails to keep the bad guys off the streets, as long as they don't have to pay for it.

I am willing to pay my share. It's not a liberal thing, it's a citizen thing.

This nation was built on a fight for taxation with representation, and for the first 200 years of our history good citizens understood that taxation with representation is the fairest possible way for a community to govern itself.

In the past 20 years or so, the selfish notion that tax-supported programs are inherently bad has gained traction among a certain segment of the population.

That segment, without regard for its numbers, is hardly something for the rest of us to be proud of.

I'm somewhat insulted by the insinuation that, because I oppose a new tax, that I am somehow a lesser citizen. That because I oppose a new tax, I think taxes in general are bad, and that I am just a selfish individual. That because I oppose a new tax, I am something for the community too be ashamed of.

Taxes have to end somewhere. We can't just keep adding taxes upon taxes to fund everything under the sun. I have NO issues with taxes and gladly pay what I do every year without gripe because the government must be funded. As a government employee myself, I have first hand knowlege of the need for taxes.

But somewhere a line has to be drawn. New taxes aren't the answer for everything, and dishing out insulting language to those who disagree with you on where the line should be isn't doing anything to further your cause.

Ron, I'm probably one of the biggest "tax and spend" liberals around. I too, like fire and police protection, schools, roads, and yes libraries. It's just that this particular proposal was so ill conceived and the campaign for it so thoroughly mismanaged it just wasn't the proposal that I could vote for. And it looks like 67% of Louisvillians thought so too.

I would absolutely vote for a smaller % tax if it had a sunset/renewable provision and if Metro continued their annual budget contribution without decreasing it and there was a bond issue for the bricks and mortar portion of the Librariy's Master Plan.

I too am a Metro employee and understand the value of taxes and the functioning of government. And the will of the voters.

OK, let the flaming begin.

I agree with Leah...Leave the money that's already in the Metro budget alone and add to it with a lesser tax percentage that isn't open ended.

I'm glad it didn't pass...IMHO it looked like a big money grab "disguised' as a way to fund our libraries.

I feel if everyone takes a step back and approaches the subject with a different perspecitve then we can fund future expansion with out such a high raise on taxes...

[Robin Garr]

I'm somewhat insulted by the insinuation that, because I oppose a new tax, that I am somehow a lesser citizen.

Aaron, please don't take as personal a generalized statement that was in no way aimed at you in particular, or really, not against any individual in this discussion with the possible exception of Robert, who seems to fit the pattern.

I'm talking in general terms about the modern movement that began with a voter Proposition in California in the '70s and that gained momentum under Reaganism, in which the very concept of government taxing the people (with representation) to provide community services has become such a taboo that most politicians are now afraid to so much as utter the T Word. That has cost our city, state and nation dearly as services have been cut past the fat and into lean and bone. And without regard to the merits of the library proposal - which I personally don't agree was bad - this is not a good thing, broadly spoken.

I do think that the newspaper explained the tax poorly, and in its effort to sell the tax without clearly explaining the tax, made matters worse.

But again, that comment wasn't aimed at you, or at anyone in particular other than the general anti-tax-under-any-circumstances crowd.

I feel if everyone takes a step back and approaches the subject with a different perspecitve then we can fund future expansion with out such a high raise on taxes...

This is what I disagree with. There ain't something for nothing. I agree that this proposal had problems, but there's no way we're funding a major library expansion and rapidly rising healthcare costs without increased taxes. And this was, in my book, a pretty modest increase.

I'll be shocked, pleasantly shocked mind you, if such a plan works out.

Leah:

I am not here to flame anyone. Your point is well-taken. I just grow weary of this knee-jerk, anti-tax position that so many people take now days. While that may not have been your particular reason for voting no, this thread is full of posts that express that sentiment.

I'm of the opinion that libraries should be funded by a combination of public funding and private donations..Sort of like what the Carnegie's did back at the turn of the last century...

I mean really..The Browns got 180 million in financing together to build Museum Plaza...Isn't there another generous family or corporate entity around that could possibly foot the bill for a couple of building projects(besides arenas and tall ugly buildings) for the betterment of the community?

All I'm saying, is do we have to raise taxes to get this done without exploring all other options?

All I'm saying, is do we have to raise taxes to get this done without exploring all other options?

Dan, you make a good point. And the voting was so negative on the issue that it is clear we need to take another path.

Here's my additional take: the opposition to the tax folks have said they will work as hard to make the library expansion work as they did to fight the tax. Let's hold them accountable as well.

Here's my additional take: the opposition to the tax folks have said they will work as hard to make the library expansion work as they did to fight the tax. Let's hold them accountable as well.

I fully intend to.

Well, let me reiterate that my opposition to the library tax wasn't about the tax itself, it was about the plan and approach.

I'm very uncertain that the degree of bricks-and-mortar expansion called for is needed in these times of knowledge moving to the Internet. And I have pretty much the same array of concerns expressed by others here, save for the tax increase, which I don't mind too much.

This proposal was pretty much a political stink bomb that deserved defeat.

I'm certain that city leaders can come up with an appropriate alternative plan that the community can buy into. And I also agree that it would be nice to see some philanthropists step up to the plate. Cough it up!

All I'm saying, is do we have to raise taxes to get this done without exploring all other options?

Dan, you make a good point. And the voting was so negative on the issue that it is clear we need to take another path.

Here's my additional take: the opposition to the tax folks have said they will work as hard to make the library expansion work as they did to fight the tax. Let's hold them accountable as well.

An excellent point. This morning I sent a message to my Councilman Owen encouraging him to work with those proposing the alternate funding plan (proposed ordinance) to review, consider, and come to compromise on a viable plan. If you would like to do the same, you can get contact information here:

http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroCouncil/

Hold them accountable you say.....What I dont hear is why not hold the Mayor accountable for what he promised just last year.....and why the Mayor includes the 16.5 Million already in the city budget to the libraries to continue.....Just think they spent over one half million dollars to promote this flawed campain to pull the wool over peoples eyes...the other side about 30 thousand to get the FULL story out...We see who won. If the library campain would have just told the truth from the begining and not carefully make a very confusing ballot...maybe just maybe people would have been more inclined to vote for it...and all of those "STARS" in there commercials....bet they feel good today....As far as Helen Call and the Mayor....Two liers equal one big lie that the people saw through....

the lady doth protest too much . . .