Archive for August 28th, 2008

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Young Democrats Not Buying the “change” bit anymore…

August 28, 2008

The FoxNews Youth Vote Center reports:

Many young Democrats say they support Barack Obama because he represents “change.” Ask them what that means and they’ll explain they want something different from the past 8 years. They don’t mind that Obama’s new to Washington nor do they mind that he’s young. They say those are a plus. But his running mate selection doesn’t exactly signal change (since he’s a longtime Washington insider.) So, how do young voters feel about the Biden pick?

So far, young Democrats I’ve talked seem satisfied. Pittsburgh political blogger and college student Matt Hoague tells me, “Today was the 1st day back to classes at Duquesne University and all young dems that I talked to were happy about this.” Why? They like his foreign policy experience, an area that has not been considered Obama’s strength.

No, but really…what experience is that?  Ask a Young Democrat like any of the ones I’ve talked to and they’ll give you some unsubstantial ~ambiguous~ answer about ~hope and change~….but many can’t exactly pinpoint an accomplishment Obama has.

If young Democrats are becoming cynical, what will that mean for Obama in November? Matt will turn out on election day, but what about others who are truly looking for change and aren’t finding it in Obama/ Biden? The dictionary says being cynical means you “expect the worst from people”. If that’s the attitude among an increasing number of young Democrats it raises the likelihood they may just stay home come November.

Just like most of the youth “vote”…never translates into ballots.

And the other curve ball…Hillary supporters. (Also from Fox):

McCain supporter and former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina summed up the McCain strategy this morning on Fox & Friends:

“We’re really reaching out to Democrats there’s no question that in particular the woman supporters of Hillary Clinton are very dissatisfied with the choice, John McCain wants to be a president for all Americans he is very appealing to folks that want a potus (president of the united states) that will reach across the aisle with convictions, judgment and experience.”

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What Will He Come Up With Next?

August 28, 2008

Rick Noriega does know…he’s running for a seat to represent Texas nationally…right?

“Being a Texan today, Mr. Noriega said, means always having to say you’re sorry,” reported the Dallas Morning News. “‘I immediately feel compelled to just apologize to all of you,’ Mr. Noriega told high-rollers who flock to the elegant Brown Palace Hotel to hear pleas for donations from about a dozen Democratic senatorial hopefuls.”

The state representative, unable to generate serious backing from Texans, sought to cajole contributions from wealthy West Coast and Northeast liberals by appealing to their anti-Texas bias. Openly pandering and groveling at the same time, Noriega asserted that Texans “have all been incredibly embarrassed” by their representatives in Washington, including President Bush and Vice President Cheney.

Ugh…

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20% of School Districts Ask for Tax Increase

August 28, 2008

Well, it seems as though school districts are subscribing to the old idea that if the current system isn’t working just throw some money at it, that’ll solve the problem!

Not so fast. Check these stats out:

Since the Texas Legislature mandated property tax relief in 2006, the number of districts asking voters to raise property taxes has grown to about 230 — roughly 20 percent of districts statewide, according to TexasISD.com, which tracks the tax elections.

I attended one of the property tax and appraisal hearings that was held at the McAllen Convention Center and the people there spoke for themselves…TAXES ARE TOO HIGH. Most saying “you’re taxing us out of the American Dream!”

State Rep. Dan Branch, a lead author of the bill requiring the tax cuts, said it is working as intended: Districts must call elections if they want more money than the state-mandated maximum tax rate generates.

“This is what was anticipated,” Branch, R-Dallas, said of the upcoming tax elections. “What was not necessarily anticipated was that we would have a spike in inflation.”

Nueces County approved a tax hike:

The court also approved tax rates that amount to a 7 percent tax hike because rates are higher than the county’s effective tax rate, a truth-in-taxation tool governments are required by state law to provide to help taxpayers understand their elected officials’ taxing decisions.

The City of McAllen kept their tax rate steady…:

McAllen City Commissioners, citing sound fiscal management and pro-growth policies, voted not to raise property tax rate and to keep its tax rate steady for the 10th straight year.

The vote holds the City of McAllen property tax rate at .42 cents per $100 of property evaluation.

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McAllen’s strong position in the retail sector, which provides for 47 percent of the city’s budget, helps keep property taxes low for residents. McAllen, despite not being very a large city, ranks 7th among Texas’ most profitable retail markets – something City Commissioners, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and the McAllen Economic Development Corporation focus their strategies.

This fiscal year (ends Sept. 30, 2008) McAllen will collect an estimated $42 million in retail sales taxes and $23.9 million in property taxes, its two major sources of funding (about 75 percent). McAllen lowered its tax rate in 1998 from .44 cents per $100 valuation.

McAllen has been careful with its growth strategies, working collaboratively with other cities and Mexico to ensure the city continues to be a regional destination for retail, business and tourism. McAllen continues to be a job-growth leader in Texas and has experienced its lowest unemployment rates ever.

Just sayin’….maybe conservative budgeting and good strategic economic development are the key here. Worked for McAllen…

This post originally written for Contempo Magazine’s Blog.

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