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We need a community to oversee tax money
So the election is over. Some of the candidates that we supported won and some of them lost. Some of the propositions that we voted for won and some lost. We will just have to accept that and move on the best we can.
However, our city leaders wanted us to pass some new tax initiatives that would “turn around” our financial plight.
They asked and we passed these new tax increases because they told us in no uncertain terms that “the city management, to keep protecting you and serving you the way you deserve to be served at the highest level, need to reassess and increase taxes but only for a short time until things get back to normal.”
Then the new tax rate will be “rescinded.”
Since we know that there is a wee problem with transparency in the dealings with the city administration, I propose that we install a citizenry committee to help with the transparency. This volunteer committee would meet with administration when it comes time to spend on projects that will be using this “new money,” so that it can be reported to the community and they can have a voice.
We are being told that this new tax money is for our benefit and since we know that the administrators don’t want to mislead us, we can help them get the word out and let the people know what is being done with the money. About every six months there would be a new batch of volunteers to be kept in the loop about where the money is going.
If there was nobody who wanted to “volunteer,” then we can go ahead and have our neighborly Solano County tax watchdog group do the job, so that we can rest assured that city government is as transparent as they assure us they are.
Rob Thomas
Suisun City
Editor’s note: The language of all local tax measures requires an oversight committee.
Discussion | 18 comments
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Recent Posts
TomNovember 10, 2012 - 6:52 am
Isn't this a Fairfield tax, why would a Suisun City resident care?
Reply |RichNovember 10, 2012 - 2:11 pm
Both Solano County taxpayers groups cover the county and its city regardless of where it's members reside.
Reply |A Different PerspectiveNovember 10, 2012 - 7:19 am
The Solano Taxpayers Assoc. should be the last choice to provide Measure P oversight. This small group of anti-government extremists have proven that they have a disdain and inherent mistrust for all local governemt and politicians. Starting with its president, they do not have the knowledge or objectivity to represent the best interests of taxpayers.
Reply |The Beauty of Free Speech and ProtestNovember 10, 2012 - 8:42 am
Everyone should be thankful that citizens who are concerned with local governance exist. Part of what keeps a "system" balanced is having proponents on both sides of issues. What good would a Solano Taxpayers Association be if it never "did anything", if it never took action or pointed out areas of concern. We do need oversight committees that are carefully selected to include members that will actually preform the "oversight", and demand the necessary info (not just take the reports of staff) and who will not just rubber stamp previously determined outcomes. Same thing - we need to watch the "Successor agencies" dealing with former Redevelopment "assets". Anyone want to join a new group called --- Citizens (for) Good Government Solano = The CGs
Reply |The Bee Gees Stayin' Alive with LyricsNovember 10, 2012 - 8:57 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZburQZNU0A
Reply |StRNovember 10, 2012 - 9:01 am
Feel the City Breakin and Everybody's Shakin........
Reply |A Different PerspectiveNovember 10, 2012 - 9:10 am
I would have no problem having one member of the Solano Taxpayer's Association on the oversight committee. Having the group AS the oversight committee would be unacceptable and norrow representation.
Reply |CD BrooksNovember 10, 2012 - 9:13 am
What might the criteria be for establishing an oversight committee? How many will be necessary and does the council all ready have a core group in mind? It is a "short term” assignment for a five year commitment. I hope younger Fairfield citizens consider this as an opportunity. It would be an excellent stepping stone should you aspire to run for city government.
Reply |All Right.....All Ready!November 10, 2012 - 9:24 am
Oh....Mr. Brooks! Excellent preformed comments.......Bye
Reply |A Different PerspectiveNovember 10, 2012 - 9:35 am
It seems Mr Brooks' questions and suggestion for young people to get involved are right on the money, pre-formed or not. I really don't understand your critisism?
Reply |Please for-give MY........November 10, 2012 - 9:53 am
Narsissim.....I, I!, was just playing around. A performance of MY own making......Bye
Reply |A Different PerspectiveNovember 10, 2012 - 10:01 am
Got ya. I thought maybe you were that Guynn character.
Reply |Actually......November 10, 2012 - 10:08 am
I like Mr. Guynn very much. I attend some of the Taxpayers meetings. Mr. Guynn is a gentleman and is just bringing important issues to the forefront of public debate.
Reply |CD?.....Did you say a COORS group?November 10, 2012 - 10:24 am
ME, me, me, me......I will join a "Coors" group. Maybe we can get Plunkett to join too! Sorry, sometimes I forget that this is not a forumn (Ha, get it, C the misteak?), for "special nut cases" like ME! I do appreciate all the relevant and topical topics that the Daily Republic provides for it's readership.
Reply |A Different PerspectiveNovember 10, 2012 - 11:34 am
Wow. You have a much different definition of "gentleman" than Webster or myself. His posts on these comment boards gave been anything but gentlemanly. Mean-spirited, disrespectful, accusatory and at times downright hateful seem more appropriate.
Reply |CD BrooksNovember 11, 2012 - 6:13 am
The City Council will appoint five members to a new Fairfield Taxpayers Committee no later than June 30, 2013. They of course will be residents and taxpayers in this city.
Reply |George Guynn, JrNovember 10, 2012 - 11:51 pm
A Different Perspective, what makes you an expert on the Central Solano Citizen/Taxpayer Group and myself? Have you ever met me or attended a meeting of our group? How come you have to hide behind a phony name? You say I am mean spirited, but you have attacked both myself and the taxpayer group. What is wrong with trying to protect the public from politicians and government agencies that want all the public's money and assets? Maybe you should move to a socialist coutry if you think that is wrong?!!!
Reply |A Different PerspectiveNovember 11, 2012 - 6:05 am
Your last sentence would be the difference and a case in point.
Reply |