One by one, Douglas County taxpayers stepped behind the microphone and outlined their support for spending — even through higher taxes — as part of next year’s proposed $69 million county budget.
For Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center. For Watkins Community Museum of History. For economic-development programs and projects. For protecting open space, supporting heritage efforts and preserving the county’s historic resources.
“I don’t like the idea of more taxes,” said Ron Schneider, an attorney who works in downtown Lawrence and lives outside of town, “but I can tolerate more taxes if I think they’re being used well.”
Schneider’s thoughts captured the essence of those from many of the 20 people who opted to speak Tuesday night at the Douglas County Courthouse. Each had taken commissioners up on their offer: to listen to any and all county residents and taxpayers who wanted to provide input about the proposed budget for 2011.
The budget, as it stands now, calls for a property tax increase of 15.9 percent. The increase would cost the owner of a $150,000 home another $90.22 in property taxes for next year.
With that as background — and after only one speaker expressly asked commissioners to cut staff, reduce employee wages and otherwise cut programs and proposals that were not limited to public safety — both Commissioner Jim Flory and Commission Chairwoman Nancy Thellman admitted being surprised that they hadn’t heard more opposition to increased taxes.
“I’m absolutely shocked,” said Flory, who said that he’d received dozens of communications opposing increased taxes, especially regarding a proposal that would provide $500,000 for economic development and set aside another $500,000 for open space, heritage efforts and historic preservation. “The comments tonight were not only not consistent with the numerous comments I’ve gotten by e-mail, letters and phone calls — they were diametrically opposed.”
Thellman, who acknowledged receiving many of the same communications as Flory, took comfort in knowing that virtually all of the people who showed up for the special public input session expressed support for budget initiatives. Thellman has pushed for additional spending for economic development and open space.
“I’m shocked as well,” she said. “Pleasantly so.”
Commissioner Mike Gaughan, the lone commissioner up for re-election this November, said that he would take Tuesday night’s comments under consideration. While he isn’t disclosing what he’ll support or oppose come 8 a.m. Monday — when commissioners sit down to start deciding what stays and goes in the budget — he noted that those who offered comments Tuesday set a good example for everyone in Douglas County to follow.
“They all have a vision for what they want this community to be,” Gaughan said.
Comments
cheeseburger 3 years, 8 months ago
The headline is definitely misleading. A small group of tax fund recipients summoned to the meeting by commissioner Thellman supported increased taxes, which translates into static or increased funding for their organizations.
A majority of people who actually pay the taxes were vehemently opposed to the excessive tax increase, as evidenced by emails and calls to commissioners, and postings on this forum.
It is ludicrous for Fagan to insinuate that everyone supports this budget, its pork, and the resulting excessive increase in taxes.
independant1 3 years, 8 months ago
i need a tax abatement
LadyJ 3 years, 8 months ago
Whitney, I would be interested in an article telling how many people have unpaid taxes right now as compared to say 5 years ago. It doesn't do any good to raise taxes if you make it so people can't pay them. Does the county spend according to what they think they are going to get or what they actually get? Are they having to raise taxes because of fund shortages from unpaid taxes, and what are they doing about developers that don't pay taxes for 2 or 3 yrs or more until the developed property is sold?
sundowner 3 years, 8 months ago
It doesn't matter what the people want - they already have this whole tax increase thing done.
kansasmutt 3 years, 8 months ago
Still no comments from any of the leaders on here.I am ashamed to live with the leaders we have. They show no thought to what they do or say, just words to them. Not one can come on here and face the voters in a nice debate. What a bunch of goofs. Not one can even admit to us that online or email protests count. I emaild them and called, and got nothing in return.I guess you get what you pay for. I can tell you this, we cancled our offer on a $500,000.000 new building and are in talks with another property owner in WY county. The tax rate is much lower and the property is 30% cheaper for an additional 3,000 SF of space.It sadens me to think i was born and raised here and am being forced out by a group of special intrest loving leaders who seem to have no clue as to what is going on in the world today. I read today KC MO was only raising the tax rate 5% this session. I would be ok with a slight bump of 5% here to cover things that are not wasteful, but this 16% is $hit. I guess i can maybe be looking forward to reading of Douglas Counties failure if i move, so that is something to think about.I guess the people we have work for us can suck some of that unemployment up for the next 2 years. That should cheerp up the County leaders, yippy more unemployment, yeaaaaaaahoooooooooo. I would say email or call your county leaders, but they dont call back or email back, so thats up to you.
tsunami9320 3 years, 8 months ago
For Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center. For Watkins Community Museum of History. For economic-development programs and projects. For protecting open space, supporting heritage efforts and preserving the county’s historic resources.
“I don’t like the idea of more taxes,” said Ron Schneider, an attorney who works in downtown Lawrence and lives outside of town, “but I can tolerate more taxes if I think they’re being used well.”
In these times, it's back to basics, folks. We don't have the money to be propping up green space or historic resources or anything else that can and should be done at the private, voluntary, charitable level. The county needs to maintain roads and keep the sheriff's department humming, keep the courts functioning, and the other public safety functions. All the rest can learn to live on their own fund-raising efforts.
Richard Heckler 3 years, 8 months ago
"August, 1981--Tax Reform Act of 1981 enacted. Provides powerful tax incentives for real-estate investment by individuals. This legislation helps create a "boom" in real estate and contributes to over-building. "
Reagan-Bush = wreckanomics
Bush Cheney = wreckanomics
Godot 3 years, 8 months ago
Boot them all, and, at the same time, claw back the salary increase they voted themselves ala Charles Jones. They don't deserve to be paid for what they are doing to the property owners.
sundowner 3 years, 9 months ago
NO ON TAX INCREASES - LIVE WITHIN A BUDGET LIKE THE REST OF US!!!
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George_Braziller 3 years, 9 months ago
Mark Fagan wrote the article so I question the accuracy. With his love of sensationalism he should be reporting for the "National Enquirer."
oneeye_wilbur 3 years, 9 months ago
Too bad the Journal World won't print the emails , of course with the writer's permission. Now that might even sell some papers. God knows not much else does.
Lynn731 3 years, 9 months ago
I guess liberals, and the wealthy, had the time to drive to the meeting. I did not. Since I could not attend, I wrote my commissioner a letter. He responded promptly. I think e-mail's & letters should have the same weight as a trip to town. Thank you, Lynn
twobigones 3 years, 9 months ago
In a recession Voting for ANY tax increase is financial suicide, oh! by the way I have been, by my clients testimonials, a very successful stockbroker and financial planner for over 30 years!
Richard Heckler 3 years, 9 months ago
VOTING FOR ALL TAX INCREASES IS LONG OVER DUE!
beaujackson 3 years, 9 months ago
Voting for ANY tax increase is long overdue.
Richard Heckler 3 years, 9 months ago
Over building began under Reagan/Bush when they relaxed the rules for financing homes etc etc. For more than 30 years over building the market has been in motion.
The more new building the more likely the market will never take care of itself. Why make matters worse? Boom town economies just are not smart.
In reality the market needs a moratorium because new home construction is years ahead itself.
It's time to sit back and play catch up. After all there are at least 7 million homes on the market. At least a million more are expected due to people who lost jobs can no longer make ends meet.
The carnage in retail hasn't been this bad since an anarchist bombed Chicago's Haymarket Square in 1886. In January, Liz Claiborne said it would shutter 54 Sigrid Olsen stores by mid-2008; Ann Taylor announced that 117 of its 921 stores would be closed over the next three years, and Talbots axed the Talbots Men's and Talbots Kids concepts and 22 Talbots stores. (Those muffled screams you hear are Connecticut preppies trying to suppress their rage.) Even Starbucks has scaled back its yearlong saturation-bombing campaign.
Blame that exhausted marathon runner, the American consumer. Fueled by cheap credit instead of PowerGel, she looked great at Mile 16, but bonked at Mile 23 and is now crawling to the finish line. Sales fell in December, putting the cap on a miserable Christmas season. Last week the government reported that retail sales rose 3.9 percent between January 2007 and January 2008.
But back out inflation and sales of gasoline, and retail sales fell in real terms in the past year. Clearly, demand is down.
And supply is up. This decade's building frenzy produced a bumper crop of new retail space—from McStrip malls built near new McMansions, to hip new boutiques in the ground floors of hip new Miami condo buildings. But as is the case with those McMansions and condos, the occupants for new retail space haven't materialized.
In the fourth quarter of 2007, the national retail-vacancy rate rose for the 11th straight quarter to 7.5 percent—the highest level since 1996, according to research firm Reis, Inc.
With new projects coming online—34 million square feet of retail space will be completed in 2008—the rate is expected to spike further to 8 percent. In the parlance of the trade, many chains are simply over-stored.
Con't
http://www.newsweek.com/id/112762
I hear most of the above on radio news almost daily.
Benjamin Roberts 3 years, 9 months ago
"'I’m absolutely shocked,' said Flory, who said that he’d received dozens of communications opposing increased taxes, especially regarding a proposal that would provide $500,000 for economic development and set aside another $500,000 for open space, heritage efforts and historic preservation. 'The comments tonight were not only not consistent with the numerous comments I’ve gotten by e-mail, letters and phone calls — they were diametrically opposed.'
"Thellman, who acknowledged receiving many of the same communications as Flory..."
Perhaps our local news outlet could file a KORA request for all of the Commissioner's emails pertaining to this proposed tax increase and set the record straight.
rockchalk1977 3 years, 9 months ago
Wanna bet some of the people who showed up last night were county employees. This is an outrage!!!!
oneeye_wilbur 3 years, 9 months ago
Not_Holroyd must have a slow day at the office today. Take a nap because you might want to comment on the Gypsy Fortune Teller booth to go up near the hotel on game days. Lots of money to be made that day.
LJ Whirled 3 years, 9 months ago
Every level of government is raising taxes, fees and other costs to the people. Not everybody is a lawyer. Lots of working people are right up against it already, and the increases already in effect, and those about to take effect, and going to drain them.
Government: Stop spending more than you have, and more than we have.
Paul R Getto 3 years, 9 months ago
"Elections can have consequences !!" === Now, that's a rational comment, sir or madame. Elections are where the commissioners hear from the most folks. It's still a minority of the population, but that's the way we do things. If people want smaller government and fewer services, it can be arranged. Just keep voting in people who really want that to happen. August 3rd is coming up; get out and vote so 10% don't pick the winners. By November, at least half of the state-wide races will be moot as many elected officials are running without opposition.
oneeye_wilbur 3 years, 9 months ago
Douglas county is sucking air. The big developments for industrial parks are going to go toward Tongie. Housing as well. Look at what is going on in Columbia MO, has a university too. Lawrence has been lead for decades by locals who want only locals to develop. Lawrene has never had any first class housing developments. NO JC Nichols housing tracts and never will. It is too late.
Lawrence is stuck in the civil war and thus the desire for the Heritage scheme. It is nothing more than an employment scheme for yet some more women who could be staying at home or volunteering their time for really needy causes. EVer notice in Lawrence that many of the paid directors of "programs' are spouse of city or University staff,or maybe even doctors. What a shame it is to have the Insurance Commissioner to hold a job that somone who is really in need of a job to support a family. Those days are over. It is about entitlement.
A good financial depression will only put this country, this state and this city back into perspective.
newmedia 3 years, 9 months ago
Elections can have consequences !!
yankeevet 3 years, 9 months ago
Best deal is not too own nothing..........just rent......and shack.....
Machiavelli_mania 3 years, 9 months ago
Leavenworth has some really nice land in the south not far from Lawrence. This house will move if I so desire.
jafs 3 years, 9 months ago
If commissioners discount public input in the form of phone calls and/or e-mails, then that should be publicly disclosed.
I called and voiced my opinion, and felt that was the best way to do so.
There are many reasons why people might not have been able/willing to go to the meeting last night - does that mean their opinion shouldn't count?
irvan moore 3 years, 9 months ago
the commissioners had an open meeting about the taxes. ( i am not in favor of such a large increase) but i, A. must not have cared enough to go and voice my concerns, B. was not willing to make the effort, C. would rather stay home and watch warehouse 13, D. all of the above. (D is the correct answer for me). we were given the opportunity and chose not to take advantage of it. the people who had something to gain followed the rules and made the effort to show up, we didn't.
bobberboy 3 years, 9 months ago
good for them. Just goes to show that Lawrence has alot of responsible people.
Shardwurm 3 years, 9 months ago
Since we on the internet are considered non-entities, let's use it to our advantage.
Someone create a Facebook Page called 'No Tax Increases in Douglas County, KS' and circulate it to everyone you know in the county. Once whe have 100s or 1000s of members we can use that site to coordinate a protest outside the next Commission meeting.
Then we'll see how 20 supporters look.
It can be done. Someone just needs to take the initiative to start it...and sadly I'm not Facebook savvy.
Use the internet to bring everyone together! Facebook brought a gang of rowdy teenagers to Westport...it can bring a bunch of pi$$ed off constituents to the County Commission.
Cityboy 3 years, 9 months ago
No more ... This tax payer's pocketbook is empty! I e-mailed Jim last week ... I can tell you this, if he supports a tax increase, he will not get my vote next term.
sherlock 3 years, 9 months ago
But just think, now you can party,party for 3 hours before every football game outside the Oread this fall! And even 1 hour after! People to pay increase in taxes, but its still important to make sure money is flowing for some projects here in town! Three of our city Comm. bowed to pressure! Golly what would old Lawrence do without spending so much money on anything related to Sports and the popularity and news media? First KU ticket office on the hot plate---the money spent on the high school athletic fields,Yeah great advertisement for outsiders!
macon47 3 years, 9 months ago
no one is going to break a sweat and show up in person to complain they will just sit on their butts and send emals and blogg on line with the other losers
Hudson Luce 3 years, 9 months ago
Well, if you want to be heard, I'd organize and show up en masse to the next County Commission meeting; I presume they're open to the public. To be effective, you'll have to get a couple of hundred people to show up. As for recall campaigns for the commissioner(s) who are in favor of the new taxes for "economic development"... The applicable statutes are to be found at Kansas Statutes Annotated 25-4318 through 25-4331. The people behind the recall effort should realize that "(b) Before any petition for recall of a local officer is circulated, the county election officer shall transmit a copy of such petition to the county or district attorney or to the attorney designated pursuant to subsection (c) for determination of the sufficiency of the grounds stated in the petition for recall. Within five days of receipt of the copy of the petition from the county election officer, the county or district attorney or the attorney designated pursuant to subsection (c) shall make such determination and notify the county election officer, the officer sought to be recalled and the recall committee of such determination. Such determination shall include whether: (1) The facts do not support the grounds for recall as stated in the petition for recall; ..." Kansas Statutes Annotated 25-4322 (b)
There appears to be no avenue for appeal of this determination.
Also, only one commissioner can be removed by this process. There are three commissioners, a majority is two commissioners, and the greatest number of commissioners which can be recalled is: "(c) The number of local officers serving on the same governing body which may be subject to recall at the same time shall not exceed a majority of the members of the governing body minus one..." Kansas Statutes Annotated 25-4323 (c)
and you can't pick them off, one at a time - see the same statute, part (d), referenced above.
The state recall statutes seem to support the status quo and are totally anti-democratic, which is no great surprise in a Republican state like Kansas. So if your friends the developers get three people on the County Commission, you can recall one and there's no change in the final result, the transfer of wealth and the gravy train continue to flow. Good luck trying to get the State to change this law, you don't have enough money to even get in the game... Maybe you should talk to the Solidarity kids and see what they have to say about this...
George Lippencott 3 years, 9 months ago
I wonder who organized the parade? I remember a "townhall" by our Congress lady. You would wonder how she got elected with all the nay sayers. Well organized - like last night. I bet few ther actually pay property tax.
oneeye_wilbur 3 years, 9 months ago
I wonder what answer the commissioners would give someone if they asked about the $750,000 the county spent over 20 years ago to buy the Wilma Miller farm. Ask who the princiapls are in the DCDA,ask who the developers were of the $2,500 an acre land? Ask how much the taxpayers spent to run uitlities to the land? Ask why there are four vacant buildings sitting there? Ask how Harris could go broke when he was involved in the original development? Ask why over 20 years the DCDA could not have returned the $750,000 back tothecounty and now there would be no need for an additional 500,000.
Why has this DCDA been kept under wraps for years now? Ask what KU Endowment did with a parcel of land that was donated to them after Ms. Miller died. It was "inadvertently" left out of the sale of the origninal acreage. ASk Endowment about that.
This new round of money to be siphoned from the public will go the same route. Thellman and her cronies will claim to not know, Weinaug will claim to not know. Fact is, land that sold for $2,500 an acre 20 years ago and that got the public to foot the bill for utiilites, sewer,etc should have been able to be marketed for 10 times the amount per acre. Using the rule of 72 even at a 3% return the $2,500 would have doubled in value in 24 years.
This new $500,000 is a grant! A grant to buy something someplace ,somewhere. After re reading the J/W editorial about maybe Ms.Thellman could work with the Tuckels aka the new owners of the land west of town, one has to wonder if the Tuckels now are ready to sell a small portion of their parcel to the county for economic development. STay tuned. If it happens, wilbur toldyou so,if not. we are lucky,maybe!
jafs 3 years, 9 months ago
It's even worse than that - fewer than 20 people voiced support.
I'd be interested in hearing how many calls and e-mails commissioners have received voicing opposition - anywhere we might get that information?
oneeye_wilbur 3 years, 9 months ago
90.00 is ONLY the county's part. The school district could be double that as they have a larger mill levy, then there is the city's part. Too bad the Journal World still does not have a reporter than cannot distinguish the differences but continues to report inaccurately.
This is great. This will drive up rents downtown, apartments, cost of goods and property taxes at local private employers.
Layoffs next! They are on the way.
Wanna bet those 50 all benefit somehow. I sure wouldn't want to hire the lawyer dude who "thinks it is okay if they are being used well". huh?
What would Thellman and Flory have done if a 1,000 people had shown up to protest? Nothing. They would have said that those complaining don't understand.
It's a done deal. Better start working hard at your job, because tomorrow you may be looking hard for a job. Layoffs are coming.
toe 3 years, 9 months ago
When you sign on to live in a community of tax users you will get only tax increases. There are almost no taxpayers in this community that do not receive a government check. So, higher taxes is just the price you pay to live here. Welcome to the swamp.
macon47 3 years, 9 months ago
the city council does this all the time all of the grass root liberals show up and stand in line to beg for thier free stuff and the city council folds and gives away the farm it aint nuttin new
PapaB 3 years, 9 months ago
What kind of antiquated county do we live in? Emails should count just as much as any other mode of communication, even appearing in person. I also stayed home due to the storm and find it ridiculous that, by their comments, the county commissioners are relieved that there was so much support for the increase. This makes me sick. Dirty politicians lining the pockets of their friends.
workinghard 3 years, 9 months ago
Did the LJW do a poll on this?
thelonious 3 years, 9 months ago
"Public voices support for Douglas County tax increase"
I don't know if I have ever seen a headline that was more blatantly not true - if you consider the "public" to be everybody, not just a few folks who showed up in person, then the "public" actually voices opposition to Douglas County tax increase. It is clear from the story itself that the calls & e-mails are heavily against. Sounds to me like the commissioners rounded up some friends and allies to show up at the meeting and create the preception that there was support. What a load of manure!
The actual public, all of it, is overwhelmingly opposed to this tax increase, especially the $1M slush fund for "economic development" & "historic preservation".
macon47 3 years, 9 months ago
it doesnt take many guts to protest on line, plus very little effort i assume they had the deck stacked with supporters at least some of them cared enough to show up with out making excuses.
Bob_Keeshan 3 years, 9 months ago
I, too, am shocked an appalled that these commissioners listened to the opinions of actual individuals who came to a public meeting and are ignoring the will of the anonymous users on ljworld.com
Shocked, I say. Shocked!
gatekeeper 3 years, 9 months ago
I sent Nancy an email. Got no response. Couldn't attend the meeting last night because I was working late, as always, so I can manage to pay my bills. But of course, I don't matter because I'm just a regular, working class person in Lawrence.
Nancy is a minister. As I told her in my email, I'm ashamed of her. She preaches about Jesus, but forgets that he too protested taxes.
Flap Doodle 3 years, 9 months ago
BOHICA, citizens.
cheeseburger 3 years, 9 months ago
Story is Nancy called all those agencies receiving county funds and had them 'pack the house' in support of tax increases and Nancy's own pet projects. I sure hope this isn't true, as I had a higher personal regard for her previously.
craigers 3 years, 9 months ago
What are the email addresses of the County commissioners?
sherbert 3 years, 9 months ago
Surely our city commission is not so shallow as to think that the people who spoke at the meeting hold the majority opinion. Sounds to me like they were employed people with connections to downtown or the other entities wanting money. I was sitting at home in a major storm with no electricity trying to figure out how I'm going to pay my monthly bills that are due/overdue. It's very disheartening that our government, from the top to the bottom, apparently, is so out of touch with the average citizen.
Shane Garrett 3 years, 9 months ago
Read my words. No new taxes!!!
andy_b_brown 3 years, 9 months ago
As far as Mike goes I know he is still looking for input about this budget process from the public. He called me personally at home on Monday night to ask me about my opinion. I offered to meet with him to talk about it and we are going to meet later this week, before the vote on Monday. Your opinion counts and you still have time to share it.
Personally I don't want my government reps listening to anonymous postings or polls on a privately owned website. The potential for abuse and deception there is huge. I had intended to go to the meeting but stayed home because of the storm. Use the phone, write a letter, be heard.
If all you have to say is something like "No new taxes!" you might want to at least look at the proposed budget beforehand. Saying "Taxes are too high, I am opposed to preserving open spaces but support economic development." sounds a lot more informed.
devilsrighthandman 3 years, 9 months ago
What the heck is going on here. I didn't notice a giant tent being put over the county and job postings for clowns, elephants and acrobats. (Oh wait the the folks running the county already have the clown jobs). What is going to be the name of this circus? I guess it doesn't matter, I think our house is going on the market.
LadyJ 3 years, 9 months ago
Sneaky scheduling it the same night as the City Commission meeting when they're discussing the Oread street party.
budtugly 3 years, 9 months ago
What a crock of $hit. People one by one stepped up and said, yeh I want to pay more taxes for frivolous programs! Throw them all out!
ultimate175 3 years, 9 months ago
I have no idea if the tone of this article actually reflects the mindset of the commissioners, but if so I'm furious. To imply that those who spoke at the meeting garner more influence (and have a vision) is so disappointing. I'm curious how many phone calls and emails were sent in opposition by those who couldn't attend? I know I was one of them. Will it be noted or not?
I'm also curious when the meeting announcement was first posted? I saw it for the first time yesterday, but I of course could have missed an earlier one.
Perhaps it's time to move from Douglas county. But not until my opportunity to vote against Mr. Gaughan and Ms. Thellman has come.
macon47 3 years, 9 months ago
so everyone sat on thier butts at home and watched tv?
anyone can blow and go on line, if you step up to the plate and show your face in support or lack of support that means something if you dont show up and have the guts to tell what you think you probably dont vote anyway
SettingTheRecordStraight 3 years, 9 months ago
Think about it. If your program, pet project or special interest group is dependent on other people's money to pay the bills, you're going to show up to defend the gravy train.
We shouldn't be surprised that the direct beneficiaries of government largesse are the most vocal supporters of tax increases.
Godot 3 years, 9 months ago
They wanted to make the appearance of considering differing opinions. They had no intention of abandoning their agenda.
CLARKKENT 3 years, 9 months ago
WOW, WHAT A MISLEADING HEADLINE. PUBLIC SUPPORT, FROM TWENTY OR SO PEOPLE, WHAT ABOUT THE THOUSANDS THAT ARE AGAINST IT?
FOLKS, YOU BETTER CONTACT THOSE 3 SELF APPOINTED GODS IF YOU DO NOT WANT AN INCREASE. AS SURE AS TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, THEY ARE GOING TO RAISE TAXES AGAIN.
OonlyBonly 3 years, 9 months ago
Anyone ever hear of "packing the house?"
Shardwurm 3 years, 9 months ago
This is amazing.
Here's what's coming next: "The average person in Douglas County will only pay $7.50 a month for all of this. Surely we all can manage that."
It's the same thing every time. "For the cost of a Happy Meal..." trouble is we're already buying 100s of Happy Meals a week and we're sick of it!
notajayhawk 3 years, 9 months ago
"Public voices support for Douglas County tax increase"
Wow, about 50 people showed up, about 20 of whom spoke. Yep, the "public" has spoken, alright. Let's let these 20 people decide how much a hundred thousand or so are going to pay in taxes.
yankeevet 3 years, 9 months ago
Lawrence is expensive too live in...........just work alot; and keep paying taxes;........heading for colorado; too my mountain top cabin........
ForThePeople 3 years, 9 months ago
They obviously do not read the user comments here! NO MORE TAXES!
ILoveLawrence 3 years, 9 months ago
What?????? How about another meeting when severe storms are not imminent? And what about all the online input? I'm on a VERY fixed income and a 5 mill increase for community development and employee raises is the equivalent to two months groceries for me. Guess I'll just have to starve so I can stay in my house. Great options you've left me county commission.
LogicMan 3 years, 9 months ago
"both Commissioner Jim Flory and Commission Chairwoman Nancy Thellman admitted being surprised that they hadn’t heard more opposition to increased taxes."
1) Thunder and lighting storm last night. Reasonable people don't go out in them.
2) Reasonable people also don't want to be exposed in person to the abuse of those on the left grubbing for more money and power. They are well organized, and have the silent majority staying silent and cowering in fear. Just what they want.
Vote the entire Commission out next cycle, or recall now if possible.
kansasmutt 3 years, 9 months ago
Mike Gaughan . So you dont think anyone who called or emailed needs to be involved ? ONLY those who could come to the meeting in person exist and should be praised for doing so ? " he noted that those who offered comments Tuesday set a good example for everyone in Douglas County to follow.
“They all have a vision for what they want this community to be,” Gaughan said. " Your words Mike. Looks to me like if you cant be at a meeting, your nobody, correct ?
. Lets ask this. Hown many emails and phone calls came in against the tax hike ? When you look at the croud who showed up for the meeting, i see many many Chamber members sitting there. Humm, money being collected by taxation,to support the Chamber, meeting with many chamber members on hand, i would guess the support would be in the chambers favor.
kansasmutt 3 years, 9 months ago
So what they are saying is if you called or emailed, your dont count. WOW what a copout. In the age of online everything, they throw out and degrade anyone who used that method to show they dont feel the tax rate hike is warranted. The common people have been left behind again. Give up people, unless your in the special group involved, you dont exist to them. Very sad and very depressing to see the ones in charge , who are supposed to be setting an example , just hand over millions to the special groups. Still, not one word from any County leader of why all the waste, nor a murmer of why they use red rock to chip and seal , when the white is millions cheaper. It sickens me to see our county stoop to this new low.
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