http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-12212008-1641683.html
Next year’s increase is in the fire fund and will provide more money for the Yardley-Makefield Fire Co., the department that provides fire protection for the township. Township officials were able to hold the line in all other funds.
Its all in the positioning isn't it? The message, we have to raise taxes so that if your house catches fire we can put it out.
Here's an idea, why not cut spending on the things the Township shouldn't be spending our tax dollars on, like;
1. Tens of thousands of dollars to pay for community events.
2. Maintenance on all the non-esential properties that are owned and maintained for "historical" purposes.
3. 4.25% raises for employees.
4. Eliminiation of the high priced pay to play firms the Township has brought on board.
That would be a good start to lower taxes and we could still put out fires.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Saving by Spending
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-12192008-1640717.html
It is often stated that when the government spends money on certain programs, a "savings" results on future government expenditures.
Sorry, but it's just not true. If only it was. We could just hand over all our money to the government and all our "problems" would be solved.
First, if I have a dollar to spend, I will spend it. If the government takes it from me, they will spend it and I won't. While it may be true that the government will now not have to spend an additional amount on food stamps in the future, the truth is they would have to spend even less than that if I spent it myself.
Why is that? Because I will spend it more efficiently.
1. It won't be going to a bridge to nowhere.
2. Since its my money, I will make sure I get the best value. That's because its not other peoples money, which is the only kind of money the government can spend.
3. I won't give it to companies that have failed by making bad decisions or because no one likes its products.
4. If I give it all directly to a charity, it will be to an efective local charity that has a one on one strategy for helping put someone's life back on track. The government would give it to a politically connected charity, after it it took a big portion of it to pay for the beaurocracy to get it there.
After saying;
She also took shots at TARP, the $700 billion Troubled Assets Relief Program, saying it’s been mismanaged and questioned whether it should have ever been passed by Congress.
comes the saddest line from the article;
Robin Stelly, field coordinator for Penn Action, an issues advocacy organization whose goal is social, racial and economic justice, told the crowd of about 50 not to be “scared of those numbers. The money will be well spent.”
The money will be well spent? Just like the TARP money she just admitted wasn't.
Hardly.
It is often stated that when the government spends money on certain programs, a "savings" results on future government expenditures.
Sorry, but it's just not true. If only it was. We could just hand over all our money to the government and all our "problems" would be solved.
First, if I have a dollar to spend, I will spend it. If the government takes it from me, they will spend it and I won't. While it may be true that the government will now not have to spend an additional amount on food stamps in the future, the truth is they would have to spend even less than that if I spent it myself.
Why is that? Because I will spend it more efficiently.
1. It won't be going to a bridge to nowhere.
2. Since its my money, I will make sure I get the best value. That's because its not other peoples money, which is the only kind of money the government can spend.
3. I won't give it to companies that have failed by making bad decisions or because no one likes its products.
4. If I give it all directly to a charity, it will be to an efective local charity that has a one on one strategy for helping put someone's life back on track. The government would give it to a politically connected charity, after it it took a big portion of it to pay for the beaurocracy to get it there.
After saying;
She also took shots at TARP, the $700 billion Troubled Assets Relief Program, saying it’s been mismanaged and questioned whether it should have ever been passed by Congress.
comes the saddest line from the article;
Robin Stelly, field coordinator for Penn Action, an issues advocacy organization whose goal is social, racial and economic justice, told the crowd of about 50 not to be “scared of those numbers. The money will be well spent.”
The money will be well spent? Just like the TARP money she just admitted wasn't.
Hardly.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
How Embarrasing for Republicans
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-12092008-1634761.html
A couple of things that should embarass Republicans in Bucks.
1. With a $465.6 million spending plan, they can't find $7.1 million in cuts? That would be a 1.52% reduction in spending. Cawley does seem to indicate that taxes shouldn't be raised, but come on I thought we elected a Republican majority here.
2. The county as a $71.3 million rainy day fund, or 15.3% of the yearly budget. I feel a bit over-taxed.
3. I know Marseglia is a political grand-stander, but Republicans look foolish fighting her ideas to cut spending.
For a minute I thought Marseglia was an in-the-minority Republican.
A couple of things that should embarass Republicans in Bucks.
1. With a $465.6 million spending plan, they can't find $7.1 million in cuts? That would be a 1.52% reduction in spending. Cawley does seem to indicate that taxes shouldn't be raised, but come on I thought we elected a Republican majority here.
2. The county as a $71.3 million rainy day fund, or 15.3% of the yearly budget. I feel a bit over-taxed.
3. I know Marseglia is a political grand-stander, but Republicans look foolish fighting her ideas to cut spending.
For a minute I thought Marseglia was an in-the-minority Republican.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Single Hauler - No Choice But To Live With It
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-12042008-1632160.html
I live in a "Single Hauler" municipality. If you take a drive through the residentail neighborhoods on any early trash day morning you will see trash cans at least 3 or 4 feet into the streets. You can try complaining to the municipality and the company, but they are locked into a long term contract so nothing is ever done. The trash collection just isn't a priority.
I dream of being able to call my trash company and fire them for their lack of customer service, only to awaken to realize I have no choice but to live with it.
Personally, we don't eat a lot of packaged foods, so I rarely have more than 1/2 to 1 can of garbage. Sure would be nice to pay a lesser rate than others who have 2 to 4 times what I have. Then I realize I have no choice but to live with it.
Our municipal ordinances have decimal limits up until 7 am, but those exceptions don't apply to municipal hired firms. Guess who shows up at 5am with their beeping backup noises. (insert line here about firing my trash company from above).
When the trash hauler doesn't show up 3 to 4 times a year, I'd like to call them and get a discount since they broke the contract, or fire them, but then I realize I have no choice but to live with it.
I live in a "Single Hauler" municipality. If you take a drive through the residentail neighborhoods on any early trash day morning you will see trash cans at least 3 or 4 feet into the streets. You can try complaining to the municipality and the company, but they are locked into a long term contract so nothing is ever done. The trash collection just isn't a priority.
I dream of being able to call my trash company and fire them for their lack of customer service, only to awaken to realize I have no choice but to live with it.
Personally, we don't eat a lot of packaged foods, so I rarely have more than 1/2 to 1 can of garbage. Sure would be nice to pay a lesser rate than others who have 2 to 4 times what I have. Then I realize I have no choice but to live with it.
Our municipal ordinances have decimal limits up until 7 am, but those exceptions don't apply to municipal hired firms. Guess who shows up at 5am with their beeping backup noises. (insert line here about firing my trash company from above).
When the trash hauler doesn't show up 3 to 4 times a year, I'd like to call them and get a discount since they broke the contract, or fire them, but then I realize I have no choice but to live with it.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Private Property is the Problem
Concerned that people were using their private property for their own enjoyment, Warrington is looking to stamp out one more form of recreation. Via a new ordinance which prohibits ATVs use on less than 2 acres of land, the Board is looking to stop ATV use in the Township.
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-11292008-1629443.html
Aparently the neighbors kids ride their ATVs. Next up will be the curfew ordinance for kids since they will be driven to hang out at the local convenience store as they will no longer have anything to do.
Next they will be working on the ordinance to ban electric mowers on lots less than 2 acres.
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-11292008-1629443.html
Aparently the neighbors kids ride their ATVs. Next up will be the curfew ordinance for kids since they will be driven to hang out at the local convenience store as they will no longer have anything to do.
Next they will be working on the ordinance to ban electric mowers on lots less than 2 acres.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Energy Independence - Local Officials to ensure it won't happen
Do you want to create your own renewable energy source? Hopefully, you don't live in Doylestown Township. DT is poised to be the first locally to regulate wind mills out of existance before they start popping up.
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-11242008-1626817.html
This will of course start a local trend which will ensure we remain hooked on fossile fuels.
"Mr. Scarborough added that the ordinance includes a two-acre minimum which precludes most residents of this Township from ever having a windmill." - http://www.doylestownpa.org/MeetingMinutes/9.16.08.htm
Of course there will be joyous residents of the Township who will be happy they don't have to look at ugly polls that are responsible for providing energy. But what about the telephone polls? Guess they will have to get rid of them too.
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-11242008-1626817.html
This will of course start a local trend which will ensure we remain hooked on fossile fuels.
"Mr. Scarborough added that the ordinance includes a two-acre minimum which precludes most residents of this Township from ever having a windmill." - http://www.doylestownpa.org/MeetingMinutes/9.16.08.htm
Of course there will be joyous residents of the Township who will be happy they don't have to look at ugly polls that are responsible for providing energy. But what about the telephone polls? Guess they will have to get rid of them too.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Locals Can Be Geniuses Too
As we all know there are many geniuses who work for the federal government that understand so much about my life and the variables that determine the direction of the space time continuum that they busily write rules and regulations to make our country a better place.
Unfortunately there are lots of local geniuses too. All well meaning in my experience, yet unable to understand the consequences of their actions. Not because they are not smart, but because no one can know these things when interfering in the economic and personal lives of others.
The purpose of my blog is to highlight those local geniuses in our municipal and county government. Maybe after reading my opines they will think a bit harder prior to implementing their meddling idea of the month to make my life better, and realize their attempts will be futile.
Thus this blog is born.
Unfortunately there are lots of local geniuses too. All well meaning in my experience, yet unable to understand the consequences of their actions. Not because they are not smart, but because no one can know these things when interfering in the economic and personal lives of others.
The purpose of my blog is to highlight those local geniuses in our municipal and county government. Maybe after reading my opines they will think a bit harder prior to implementing their meddling idea of the month to make my life better, and realize their attempts will be futile.
Thus this blog is born.
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