At some point, probably centuries ago, politicians learned that as they appeared to be lowering taxes and/or introducing some popular project, they actually are and were playing election year politics.
It’s not random to see money coming to a district or county, either state or federal. This is the primary activity of those who wish to stay in power. In Cumberland County, there have been massive financial problems. One year recently the county had a budget for only half the year.
The cash just wasn’t guaranteed to come in.
During the time of financial upheaval, property taxes were raised 18 cents for a total of 70 cents. Now, since it is election year, the Board cut taxes 2 cents. It’s not that the county’s financial shape has improved that much. The last such cut was…you guessed it. 2007 was an election year.
And all this time I thought taxes were based on need and not to be used as bribery. Silly me. 🙂
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 