What’s on the Ballot? Crime Prevention Tax
On the ballot this November 6 is a proposal to increase the sales tax in Arlington by 1/8 cent. Though it doesn’t seem like much, if approved, the tax could generate up to $6 million a year for five years. The money would go to fund additional police officers, fire and code enforcement officers and crime prevention programs. The tax increase would take effect in May 2008.
Over $3 million would go to increasing public safety by adding police officers, additional court personnel and increasing patrols. $1.2 million would be used for neighborhood improvement and code enforcement. Things like grafitti removal would fall under this category. About $450,000 would go for youth, family and senior initiatives such as teaching seniors about fraud protection, youth and teen programs, and a literacy initiative. About $137,000 would be spent on program support such as an annual audit and information systems. For a complete breakdown of expenditures, you can visit the City Secretary’s page.
The Arlington Police Association and the Mayor join “Citizens for an Improved Arlington” in supporting the proposal. They say the money is much-needed to help fight increasing crime. They also feel it is important to protect the citizens as well as the many visitors to the city. See the APA’s website for more information about their support of the tax.
Opponents say the additional tax is unneccesary. They feel the city could pay for the additional officers and programs by cutting unneccesary spending and using gas well revenues. A group called “Citizens for Lower Taxes” has led the effort against the tax. They say establishing a juvenile curfew would help the crime problem without spending a lot of money. You can check their website for more information about why they oppose the plan.
You can decide how you feel about the tax and do your part by voting. You can vote early now through November 2 or on election day, November 6. For more information on polling places, see this post.
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October 27th, 2007 at 9:37 am
Debbie
Wow, love your posts!
I should start out by saying I LOVE ARLINGTON! I would have lived here forever. But, to say I am disenchanted with it would be understatement. I am frustrated with being forced to pay for Jerry Jones latest venture, only to see, what? NOTHING come of it! I haven’t heard a word about him pitching in to secure his latest asset? As for patroling and code enforcement, what that translates to is giving tickets to single mothers who are just trying to make ends meet and don’t have time to check to see if their basketball goal is the exact measurement from the street, just trying to get home to pick up their kids from daycare. You never see one of them stop those (and I say this generously) idiots on their motorcycle racing on the highway on one wheel.
Do I think we need more officers? YES! Do I think I should foot the bill? What exactly was the deal to get Jerry Jones to bring his venture to come here?
What I know is I didn’t want it then, it seems to be making things worse with no end in site, and to add insult to injury, I am being forced to pay for it! Thanks Mayor Cluck for find such great solutions to Arlingtons problems! I know that I will be there to vote in November!
Thanks again Debbie for pointing out what money will do!
November 7th, 2007 at 7:46 am
[...] Voters Shoot Down the Crime Tax by Debbie Voters solidly defeated the proposed Crime Control and Prevention District, 56% Against and only 44% For.Turnout was higher yesterday than it has been in some recent [...]