When will it end?
To the editor:
Happy New Year! 2009 has arrived. What challenges are looking our city leaders in the eyes? The budget? Foreclosures? Unemployment? What else? Recession?
Due to declining property values, Cape Coral city staff is “predicting” a 35 percent drop in revenue for 2009. “Predicting!” Supposedly 2008 showed a 25 percent decline, 35 percent on top of the 25 percent? Really? City staff is “predicting” a $35 million deficit. When did this “revelation” occur to them? Hello? Since they’re all “experts,” shouldn’t they have predicted this a long time ago when homes were on a decline? Why didn’t they save money when times were great and deposit it into a “rainy day fund?” Oops, I’m sorry,”save” is a four letter word.
The city’s reserves or rainy day funds are dwindling fast, since they have been tapped too many times. What now? “Extra taxes” on electric, water etc.? Increase the millage from 4.7 percent to 7.7 percent, thus increasing taxes on our homes? I heard a “veteran council member” once say that it’s easy to manage in good times. It’s much tougher when the money is tight. Truer words were ever spoken. Who was he referring to? Cape Coral’s city manager? The mayor and the rest of the council? You tell me. “Tax and spend.” When will it end?
No more taxes!!
Erick Kuehn
Cape Coral