Victoria has an interesting proposal here. I wonder if she would have come up with it if she were one of the 'rich' families in Mpls that would pay this one time tax. Its easy to spend someone else's money, our government does a very good job of it. While I appreciate outsiders perspectives and ideas very much, and there have been some good ones on this forum, whets what you say on here. If you would be personally willing to do what you propose, then don't waste your breath with it here. I come up with some outlandish ideas at times, but none are ones that I would not want to have to abide by or work with. Back to your proposal Victoria, I believe you would be one of the 'rich' families IF you lived in Mpls, would you be willing to pay that tax? Ron Leurquin Waite Park
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 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
