The election results have me thinking about financing Minneapolis costs in the future, and I have one idea to throw out.
Stop leaning so hard on property taxes. I don't mind mine, but I think they create hardship for some people, even threatening home loss. It seems to me that Minneapolis has gotten into providing free services for non-residents in a big way. I really think it makes more sense to provide a lot of services on a fee basis. It could shrink our government if people suddenly decide they really don't NEED a service if they have to pay for it. And since the Republican legislature is undoubtedly going to decide Minneapolis and St Paul don't need as much local government aids as they get (not having much of a big-city constituency), it seems to me the day is past when our city governments can be the source of handouts to the well-off. Now one of the MAJOR problems with user fees is the way they discriminate against those with barely enough to live on. So I could see some means-tested exemptions. People who feel they NEED some service but just haven't the money could apply for exempted status. Then, at least, we'd only give the services free to people who CAN'T afford to pay. One thing to think about: consider job retention in doing this. Don't add any incentive for employers to move jobs away. That, in my opinion, doesnt mean you HAVE to hand out free services to the rich. Plus, employers already are contributors in many ways. I'm just thinking of the people who NEITHER pay NOR provide jobs. We get a lot of people enjoying amenities of various types who have no disincentive to limit how they enjoy them because they are free. There was a time when the Twin Cities were a different place when we could hand out stuff to show what great Christians we must be. But if the people beyond our borders are going to elect a government that wants to beat us up, then I think we have to start being pragmatic. And that means focusing on sound finances, jobs, and property tax relief. We can say our hand was forced. We liked the older ways better, but divisive politics have narrowed our options. Any thoughts from Minneapolis residents? (I know the suburbanites want to keep the free ride, but they voted overwhelmingly Republican this time, so we can't assume they want the best for residents). ===== Jim Mork Cooper Neighborhood Minneapolis ------------- Paul Wellstone: Best friend Minneapolis ever had in Washington. __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? U2 on LAUNCH - Exclusive greatest hits videos http://launch.yahoo.com/u2 _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@;mnforum.org Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
