I woke up mad this morning. Just like several mornings previous. I can’t help it. It’s because I actually care; because I think elected officials should care. Government doesn’t seem to think about the consequences of its actions until the shit finally hits the fan. If your not from the Buffalo, NY area you’re probably wondering what I’m talking about. Well, for those who aren’t living with it everyday I’m referring to the current Erie County Budget Crisis.
What I can’t seem to figure out is how a bunch of people who should have a modicum of intelligence can’t add a bunch of numbers together and see that the final outcome is a negative number. I just don’t get how they couldn’t see this coming. Seems very convenient that the announcement of this crisis came after elections.
And so to cover his butt, Joel Giambra decides to blame medicaid and raise our sales tax 1%. Now,to be honest, I’m sure medicaid is one of the many state taxes(and the state has been screwing NY citizens for years) hurting our budget line here, but it can’t be the only problem. Joel’s friends and family plan might be a small piece of the problem too. As well as other overpaid positions.
Some members of the legislature have at least listened to the people and stopped this tax from going through. Sorry Joel, but the LAST thing this area needs is another tax.
But it doesn’t stop there. Now some lawmakers are suggesting that next year they will have to raise property taxes 40%. 40%!!!!!!!! Are you nuts?!?! Don’t we have enough people leaving this area in droves? Raise property taxes that much and even I, someone who’s lived here all his life, will have to consider getting out of this area. Taxes like this are going to end up driving me away from family, which is the only real reason to stay in this town lately.
We entrusted these people with our county, our money, and they have betrayed that trust. That is why I am MAD as hell. It is time for the people to take back what is theirs. Tear down county government and rebuild it. The current leaders need to step down, both legislature and executive branches, and start the whole process of building county government over again. This time making a governing body that fits the needs of a much smaller population. Every member of our current government, and I do mean every, is responsible for this mess, and they need to fall on their swords now. Personally, I think it’s time to dump a truckload of tea on the doorstep of the Edward A. Rath County Office Building just to show how disgusted we the people are. But unfortunately I think most people are too weak to take such a stand. Gone are the Thomas Jeffersons of our day; Or the Benjamin Franklins.
My friend Kevin is running for president in 2008, so maybe I should run for County Executive. I couldn’t possibly screw it up any worse than the current administration; hell at least I can add a bunch of numbers together and know when it’s time to stop spending money. Maybe I can get the libertarian nomination and be the first libertarian county executive.