vision2020
Re: Summer thoughts on Moscow governance
Interesting, I hadn't heard that the first floor of the city
hall was to be renovated into offices. I guess this helps explain the
persistent rumors regarding the new "youth" rec center being designed to
accommodate aerobics and jazzercise.
In regards to why we expect some public facilities to pay
their own way, I am reminded of a phrase used by Robert Heinlien,
"tanstaafl" That is, "There ain't no such thing as a free
lunch".
I never thought the pool would pay for itself, but the
city council used this as a promise to voters if they passed the bond
levy. The city council, hoping to convince voters to say yes to a tax
increase, created the expectation that the pool would pay for
itself.
City parks are paid for by the community, and open to all to
enjoy. Baseball fields are also paid for by the community, but use is
often limited to organized groups, that then are charged a "fee" to help
maintain the field. This is right and appropriate.
I pay taxes that help build roads, build and maintain
hospitals, schools, etc. Some of these should be open and free to the
public, and others should charge user fees. I do subsidize most of what is
"community" thru the fees I pay, the Fed, state, and local property taxes I pay,
and by voting yes for worthwhile projects.
If project is deemed worthwhile by the community, then
the community will agree to subsidize it with a vote. Assuming, of course,
that we are allowed to have a chance to vote!!!
John
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