I have reread the column where the gentleman's main point was his appreciation of a fine wine. But then in a moment to two, I began to see his intent with the rest of the column. it is an interesting piece but I am not sure most people will be able to get through it?
Reading it a third time and his assertion that investing in one's community is always a good thing if done based on value and reputation. I can agree to a large extent to where he was going until I began to think that he was attempting to justify the millions and millions that have been spent in Vienna in the past 2 1/2 years. It is after all the only area with massive expenditures for what some question are necessary uses in even a timely manner?
I am astounded at what appears the open push by the media to include some of the columnists' to support Mr. Rapp and no one has even filed that I know about for 2016?
What have residents/ Voters/ Taxpayers got back could be a good question? It might be called "Return on Investment" (ROI). Well with roughly about 4 million dollars going out; what have we gotten back so far? $451,000. reduction in the B&O tax for our local businesses. But have any of you seen price reductions and old price tags on the floors in any of the local businesses? All I see are ever increasing prices. Next we should receive starting in January 2016 the end of the franchise fee with both SuddenLink and CAS billings.
For me about $.56 cents per month. In return, we have a 1% sales tax on just about everything. That $.56 x 12 = $6.72/ year. I have already paid more for my renewal in my Home Owners Maintenance Insurance Plan (Mr. Rapp clearly stated I did not know what I was talking about when I asked if these insurance plans would be taxed), for the next year and many, many times more than that in other purchases with the sales tax. So my return is slim to none. You, whomever you are have probably paid far more than I? I am a very frugal shopper and try to stretch my dollars to about getting $.80 for each one out the door. It is very hard now a days for the retirees in this area and not much if any relief in sight.
The columnist's defense of high expenditures for maintaining or achieving a higher reputation versus being penny and pound foolish does not fly when one's actually looking at the return? There are many things the City could have done for the folks living here and instead went after getting others to come here and live. Progress is fine but when you leave the current residents in the dirt and go after the rainbow; one can guess at the real agenda?I would put my money, what little I have left on Power, Arrogance and false Pride?
I have been suspicious of the new water tanks for some time based on the alleged need at ninth street for more water for businesses? Yes, whatever low, minimum wage jobs go up in the John Mansville site to bring in the tax dollars that are the life blood of the never ending expenditures. The new tank at Jackson Park is accidently located too probably be to support the new Condos/ apartments across Rosemar Road. Can anyone explain the ROI here? Again and yet again, it is all about Sales Tax dollars.
Yet, items that could and I believe should have been done for residents who have lived here for decades did not make the cut. I would suspect not even on the last 5 year plan and for sure not on the new one? I will repeat, I at no time said don't buy the Mansville site; but did stress something that would bring "family wage jobs" into the area. I have not seen the newest plan for what is planned for that site; but would be quite surprised if the Hotel, movie theater, offices and some low income housing are different than a year ago? Some tweaking maybe; but also remember my questions on the "line at 41st/ 46th to the City limit areas East, West and North? Anything smell on this deal either?
Mr. Rapp criticized me some months back for not having positive ideas for the City. The truth is I could suggest nothing that would be accepted by him and his crew. The plea I put out for a good job creation in the top part of the Mansville site was not considered a "good one". Why? I will tell you why: 1. The manufacturing B&O tax was completely eliminated in the reduction of the small one for businesses. 2. No likelihood of any Sales Tax for the City? So am I such a dummy as I have to profess far too often? Or maybe the "secret" agenda does not allow for anything that does NOT generate Sales Tax dollars? 'nuff said.