Martin Commissioners, Prioritize Your Wish List

Editor:

Recently Martin County commissioners voted to abolish the sales tax referendum – for this year – by a slim (3-2) margin. They promised to look for additional revenue for capital improvements from the budget process, but were not optimistic. If thwarted, they would revisit the sales tax in the 2002 general elections.

Now, we know from Economics 101 that people have unlimited wants but very scarce resources to satisfy those desires. Our commission is facing this fundamental principle; they have a burgeoning list of desirable capital improvement projects. For years these projects have been stymied for one reason: lack of money.

Martin County does not have an unlimited amount of money to pay for all these wonderful projects. Perhaps their promoters gauged public support to be stronger for them as a group. But each expenditure should be judged individually, solely on its merits.

The results of the recent Kinane poll of Martin County voters was quite

emphatic: There is scant support for special-interest projects. This proves the old adage that a capital improvement plan without financing is just a wish list.

Now our political leaders are saying a raise in ad valorem tax rates may be the best way to go. The trouble with this approach is that most property owners are facing the maximum 3 percent appraisal increases on Jan. 1, 2002 (due to recent real estate price spikes) as well as similar pressures on rates from other taxing authorities.

It takes a political tin ear to suggest raising taxes during the present economic slowdown. It is time for our government to prioritize its needs and find the funding from natural growth. And it is certainly time to drop the excuse of state and local mandates (for government growth per capita) and learn to do what every responsible business and family does – live within its means. If this commission wants a reputation as “tax and spenders,” we will remember.

Ray Adams

Citizens for a Sound Economy

Palm City