First, I have to point out that it is a bizarre democracy that says when 59.5% of voters say "yes," it is not enough.40.5% being considered a "majority" boggles the mind. 59.5% would be considered a landslide in an election.
Think about it, if Tim Eyman wants to cut tax revenue, all it takes is 50% plus one. If citizens want to increase tax revenue, it takes 60% plus one. This is unfair, undemocratic and unAmerican, me thinks.
I think the bond might have "failed" (again did it really "fail" when an overwhelming majority wanted it) because a minority of people don't see the need with their own two eyes. We're no longer driving around in beat up old fire engines. Our stations aren't tenements.
Again, 6 out of 10 get it. That's pretty good - but not good enough when you need a "super majority."
The EMS levy is, on the other hand, pretty cut and dried when it comes around. If it doesn't pass, we close a bunch of stations.
Engine 3 is the busiest fire engine in the state and other Spokane rigs are right on the heels of 3s. We are a busy city and as Gary Crooks pointed out the other day, citizens get a big bang for their buck. This is a levy that has extreme consequences.
I think Chief Williams is right on the money for concentrating efforts on the EMS levy now.
2 comments:
Bill, why do you think the bond failed?
Hmmm, Good question.
First, I have to point out that it is a bizarre democracy that says when 59.5% of voters say "yes," it is not enough.40.5% being considered a "majority" boggles the mind. 59.5% would be considered a landslide in an election.
Think about it, if Tim Eyman wants to cut tax revenue, all it takes is 50% plus one. If citizens want to increase tax revenue, it takes 60% plus one. This is unfair, undemocratic and unAmerican, me thinks.
I think the bond might have "failed" (again did it really "fail" when an overwhelming majority wanted it) because a minority of people don't see the need with their own two eyes. We're no longer driving around in beat up old fire engines. Our stations aren't tenements.
Again, 6 out of 10 get it. That's pretty good - but not good enough when you need a "super majority."
The EMS levy is, on the other hand, pretty cut and dried when it comes around. If it doesn't pass, we close a bunch of stations.
Engine 3 is the busiest fire engine in the state and other Spokane rigs are right on the heels of 3s. We are a busy city and as Gary Crooks pointed out the other day, citizens get a big bang for their buck. This is a levy that has extreme consequences.
I think Chief Williams is right on the money for concentrating efforts on the EMS levy now.
But, why do you think the bond failed?
Post a Comment