>From Southwest Journal's article about C.M. Lisa Goodman: http://www.swjournal.com/display/inn_news/news01.txt
"I do not know how we can operate the city with the current level of resources. We have had to lay off firemen and cops and one-third of the public works department, we've eliminated the health department, and we don't even have a receptionist in our office when you come to City Hall. We are that barebones. "If people continue to demand services that we do not have the resources to provide for, ultimately I think you will see a large amount of frustration. We are all feeling the same way, but our hands are tied." The only way out of the dilemma, according to Goodman, is for people who believe in the city and are personally invested in it to step up to the plate and participate in the civic life of the city. She has once again put on her fundraising hat: she is helping the library system raise $15 million from private sources to complement the $105 million public investment." Vicky adds: There is a simple way to solve the financial crisis in Minneapolis: A one-time tax assessment to PAY OFF THE CITY'S DEBTS. This would free up more than $130 million per year - FOREVER! Using the 2000 Census, I've calculated that the "rich" households (income greater than $75,000) in Minneapolis would each have to pay $50,000 - to pay off $1.5 billion of accumulated debt. It's not as bad as it sounds - because property taxes are deductible expenses - so the real cost would be considerably less for each family. In today's credit market, borrowing money is almost free. The FOMC is expected to reduce rates another 50 basis points next week - its 13th reduction. Right now, a ten year home equity line of credit is available, up to $250,000, at 3.95% - before the rate reduction! MBNA America is offering 0% interest for 12 months. Rich families with the cash can simply write a check. Rich families without cash can borrow their share on VERY favorable terms. If our City leaders have the courage to do this, services could be improved and property taxes could be reduced simultaneously - making Minneapolis a more attractive destination for people and businesses. ......And the City's credit rating would be protected. Of course this plan only works if Minneapolis can resist the temptation to spend itself into debt again. Vicky Heller, North Oaks TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
