There is a candidates’ forum at the Franklin Public Library Monday night, March 24 at 6:30. All of the candidates for mayor, alderman and School Board will be there.
OK, everybody, please don’t try to Obama-ize the audience. By that I mean, lay off the platitudes and substance –free glittering generalities.
Be specific. Be clear in your discussion.
Examples…..
Mayor Tom Taylor, explain how Franklin taxpayers are getting lots of bang for their buck.
Basil Ryan, explain specifically how you can make the claim as you do in a recent mailing that government spending is rising faster than spending on public safety. Where are the numbers to back up your claim about public safety? They’re not on your lit piece. And are you suggesting Franklin isn’t a safe city?
FranklinNOW asked the aldermanic candidates this question:
Some residents claim the city's portion of the property tax levy has risen too much in recent years. Do you agree? Why or why not?
I have to be honest that I was astounded to read Alan Hammelman’s answer:
“I disagree that the city's portion has risen too much. A home valued at $244,500 saw a city tax increase of $42.69 in the 2008 budget. Our tax rate increased at the rate of inflation, despite soaring medical insurance costs. “
What would be “too much” Alderman?
You may want to reconsider the answer you gave to FranklinNOW as a talking point for Monday night since the city tax levy, which is far more important than the tax rate that you refer to, went up 5.7% last year and 5.3 % the year before, well above the rate of inflation.
Hammelman’s opponent, Kristen Wilhelm also answered the same tax question:
“It's clear to Franklin taxpayers that all portions of the tax levy have increased over the years. What's worth asking is whether this money provides durable benefits to our community, such as our library, or whether it supports projects that place a burden on services with little public benefit.”
Kristen, how about answering your own legitimate question? And be specific about what you’d do about our high spending and taxation.
Just some free advice from a concerned taxpayer and voter.
if you can't attend the forum Monday night, remember...
