Stacking the deck
I think of myself as having a pretty thick skin in my old age, but I got outraged over the weekend when I sat down to vote no on the Portland property tax increase for routine park maintenance and unspecified "capital projects" pork. Just look at how the question is presented on the ballot! It's a blatant pitch for a yes vote – something that you might see in the voter's pamphlet as an argument in favor.
I thought there were laws that prevented this kind of shenanigans, but I guess such laws don't exist or aren't enforced. Maybe our politico readers can help us out with the rules here.
Anyway, while we weep over the decline of American democracy, let's note that at election time, all sides seem willing to engage in shameful behavior.
They forgot to mention in their sales pitch that this is a 75 percent increase over the last levy amount. I hope renters who vote realize that a yes vote will increase their rent.
ReplyDeleteThe renters will not wise up--or rise up. Nor will people (increasingly scarce) who pay property taxes. Most let their escrow accounts do the dirty work and don't bother openinng the county's bills. If they do, most of the entries are written is a subset of the English language called "obfuscation," which gives no indication of what the dollars actually DO. Portland has a collective IQ in double digits; 'twas ever thus and shall be.
ReplyDeleteAlmost identical wording when the Tualatin Hills Park and Rec District demanded more money last election: "Give us more money or we'll stop cleaning the restrooms and stop picking up the trash." But there is always money for full four-color advertising wraps for every vehicle. Feh!
ReplyDeleteThat's much more "argument for" in the voter's pamphlet than it is a description of the ballot measure. Almost seems egregious enough to challenge it if voters approve it. Which, little doubt they will.
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