Bob Harper, noted South Shore Extension opponent, has some interesting numbers on the existing South Shore service.
He says that the existing line serves 4000 riders per day, and the state subsidizes it by $15M per year.
There are 250 or so work days a year. Multiply that by 4000 rider per day. Those people are riding there and back, so multiply is by 2. Then divide it into $15M dollars.
The state subsidizes each ride on the South Shore by $7.50.
That certainly puts things into perspctive
Monday, December 31, 2007
The consequences of corruption
My man Mitch is celebrating the jobs he's brought to the state. The Times can't help but notice that those jobs aren't in Lake County.
What do you expect? Lake County is one of the most corrupt municipalities in America. Why would any business locate here?
Not to mention that we have a union mentality which is more 1908 than 2007.
Not to mention that tax levies in the county are just stupid high. Who is going to locate in a municipality with a property tax levy of 8% of assessed value.
What to do? Start voting Republican. That will take care of the corruption and the taxes. It might even help a bit with the union mentality (we could always hope that Republicans can the public employee unions, like Mitch did).
What do you expect? Lake County is one of the most corrupt municipalities in America. Why would any business locate here?
Not to mention that we have a union mentality which is more 1908 than 2007.
Not to mention that tax levies in the county are just stupid high. Who is going to locate in a municipality with a property tax levy of 8% of assessed value.
What to do? Start voting Republican. That will take care of the corruption and the taxes. It might even help a bit with the union mentality (we could always hope that Republicans can the public employee unions, like Mitch did).
Reform the Court System? No, we can't do that.
It seems like it might be dawning on some people that things need to change because of the tax cap imposed by Indianapolis. So I appreciate that the judges and the lawyers are getting together to figure out how to make the court system more "efficient".
But then they dismiss out of hand a plan to consolodate city and town courts at the county level, the EXACT kind of thing that needs to happen to get under the tax cap.
There were some totally bogus arguments made, like that city courts pay for themselves with user fees. That very well may be, but won't that revenue just translate over to the county? The county courts could be self financing with that revenue.
It is a total pain in the ass to drive from, say, Hammond to Crown Point. But every other county in Indiana has a centralized court system, and those people make similar length drives. Why should we be any different?
But then they dismiss out of hand a plan to consolodate city and town courts at the county level, the EXACT kind of thing that needs to happen to get under the tax cap.
There were some totally bogus arguments made, like that city courts pay for themselves with user fees. That very well may be, but won't that revenue just translate over to the county? The county courts could be self financing with that revenue.
It is a total pain in the ass to drive from, say, Hammond to Crown Point. But every other county in Indiana has a centralized court system, and those people make similar length drives. Why should we be any different?
More of the same.
So the Times has an article about the anti-incumbent mood, and they list some of the people who may replace the deadwood:
So for Will Smith's seat, the mention a Gary Councilman and a Gary school board member. So more of the same.
For Dupey's seat, they mention Hammond Councilman AND Lake County Auditor Dan Repay. They also mention an East Chicago public employee and township councilman. So more of the same.
Insiders and public employees every one.
Where are the nice, normal people with real jobs? Oh yeah, they're Republicans.
So for Will Smith's seat, the mention a Gary Councilman and a Gary school board member. So more of the same.
For Dupey's seat, they mention Hammond Councilman AND Lake County Auditor Dan Repay. They also mention an East Chicago public employee and township councilman. So more of the same.
Insiders and public employees every one.
Where are the nice, normal people with real jobs? Oh yeah, they're Republicans.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Talking to Bilski
I talked to Ted Bilski for about 5 minutes. I really don't think that he understands the ramifictions of the COIT failing or the tax cap.
He complained that Lake Station and Hobart have tight budgets and can't afford to freeze their levy. But those communities have already hit the circuit breaker tax cap. Their levy may not be frozen, technically. But the portion that comes from homesteads is. It's being cut, in fact, because they are so far above the levy.
Bilski asked me where I thought Hobart should cut, saying that the choice was fire service or police. I think that there are plenty of places to cut, even in the fire department and police. I told him to send me a detailed budget, and that I'd find them plenty of places to cut.
He is also very naive about the state legislature changing the COIT distribution formula. That's just not going to happen. Every county in this state uses the existing distribution. If it is good enough for them, it is good enough for us. They're not going to change it.
He complained that Lake Station and Hobart have tight budgets and can't afford to freeze their levy. But those communities have already hit the circuit breaker tax cap. Their levy may not be frozen, technically. But the portion that comes from homesteads is. It's being cut, in fact, because they are so far above the levy.
Bilski asked me where I thought Hobart should cut, saying that the choice was fire service or police. I think that there are plenty of places to cut, even in the fire department and police. I told him to send me a detailed budget, and that I'd find them plenty of places to cut.
He is also very naive about the state legislature changing the COIT distribution formula. That's just not going to happen. Every county in this state uses the existing distribution. If it is good enough for them, it is good enough for us. They're not going to change it.
Dammit!
My "rumor" was news before I got to post it!
The Will Smith era has ended in Lake County! This is a great day, truly.
The Will Smith era has ended in Lake County! This is a great day, truly.
New Rumor: Will Smith resigned
Word from outside the chamber was that felony tax evader Democrat Lake County Councilman Will Smith resigned.
I hope that it is true.
You know that my next rumor was going to be that if Smith got anything less than a year in jail at his sentencing, he and Counil Attorney Szarmack were going to say that technically that isn't a felony, and Smith would NOT resign his seat.
That second rumor might still play out. Let's see if Smith really resigns.
I hope that it is true.
You know that my next rumor was going to be that if Smith got anything less than a year in jail at his sentencing, he and Counil Attorney Szarmack were going to say that technically that isn't a felony, and Smith would NOT resign his seat.
That second rumor might still play out. Let's see if Smith really resigns.
People I met tonight...
I stayed after the vote and met Geroge Janic (encouraged me to run for rep in the 12th district), Will Smith, Rudy Clay, Ted Bilski, Tom O'Donnell, Eloise Franklin, and a few others big wigs.
Saw the Professor, Rosevelt Allen Jr., Christine Cid (Niiiice looking lady). Didn't get to meet them.
Saw the Professor, Rosevelt Allen Jr., Christine Cid (Niiiice looking lady). Didn't get to meet them.
Lake County STILL has no COIT!!!!
We did it! We beat back the county "option" income tax!
I'd say that there were 100 people at the meeting. It overflowed from the room.
Instead of changing to a larger room and letting everyone speak, they just tabled the vote on the tax. Bilski was going to flip back to "no", so rather than taking a vote and getting defeated, the "yea" side didn't even take up the vote.
The county building is closed this weekend and Monday, so no vote can be taken before the state imposed deadline of the 31st.
That's a big f.u. to Indy!
I'd say that there were 100 people at the meeting. It overflowed from the room.
Instead of changing to a larger room and letting everyone speak, they just tabled the vote on the tax. Bilski was going to flip back to "no", so rather than taking a vote and getting defeated, the "yea" side didn't even take up the vote.
The county building is closed this weekend and Monday, so no vote can be taken before the state imposed deadline of the 31st.
That's a big f.u. to Indy!
Is it a Christmas Miracle?!?!
Hallelujiah! Ted "The Flipper" Bilksi may flip again!
His first flip, to support of the COIT, never made any sense. Even under the distribution he favors (all COIT goes to homesteaders), Hobart STILL will pay more COIT than it gets back in homestead credits.
Well, I'll be at the Council Meeting this afternoon. I'm going to speak to how state law really says that Will Smith is no longer a councilman.
After all, we need some backup just in case "The Flipper" flips AGAIN!
I'm the tall white geek with the short brown hair. Say "hi".
His first flip, to support of the COIT, never made any sense. Even under the distribution he favors (all COIT goes to homesteaders), Hobart STILL will pay more COIT than it gets back in homestead credits.
Well, I'll be at the Council Meeting this afternoon. I'm going to speak to how state law really says that Will Smith is no longer a councilman.
After all, we need some backup just in case "The Flipper" flips AGAIN!
I'm the tall white geek with the short brown hair. Say "hi".
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Public Comment on the COIT!
The Lake County Council is going to allow public comment on the COIT at their meeting on Friday at 4PM.
I will be there to comment on why Will Smith has been impeached by law upon conviction of his felony.
Anybody going to join me?
I will be there to comment on why Will Smith has been impeached by law upon conviction of his felony.
Anybody going to join me?
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Gary schools spent $14k per pupil in 2006
This is a neat database. Put in your district name, and you get the per pupil spending for the district over the last 5 years up to 2006.
Gary spends over $14,000 per year per student as of 2006. Whiting and East Chicago spent $12k.
These are districts where most kids don't graduate, and most of those who do can't pass ISTEP.
Gary spends over $14,000 per year per student as of 2006. Whiting and East Chicago spent $12k.
These are districts where most kids don't graduate, and most of those who do can't pass ISTEP.
Democrat Township Trustee Mary Elgin thinks you're stupid
Did you know that Calumet Township is "understandable and transparent"? They're a paragon of good government.
Puh-lease. Can you say, "pass the buck"?
Mary Elgin thinks you're stupid. She blames "The Big 4" (BP, LTV, Inland, US Steel) and "high income homeowners" for "manufacturing" the property tax crisis, not big, inefficient government.
What a load of crap.
"The big 4" (which is actually the "Big 3" since Mittal bought out both Inland and LTV) were getting RIPPED OFF for DECADES by the likes of Mary Elgin.
And, quite frankly, thanks to the likes of Mary Elgin, there are dammned few "high income taxpayers" in Lake County. The average salary in Lake County is pathetic.
The "opinion piece" is so self serving as to be almost comic. It's like a parody that I might write. I mean, what do you take away from this:
The double-whammy on homeowners caused anguish, consternation and outrage. Led by influential upper income homeowners who saw their tax bills spiraling like rampaging tornados, certain regional leaders found a convenient whipping boy in the guise of local government.
Did Don King write that? Could she USE more analogies in there?
What a joke.
Here's the deal, Mary. Calumet township, along with The City of Gary and Gary schools, impose a levy on taxpayers that is out of proportion with anything that is reasonable and just. Who thinks that upwards of 10% of a homes market value is a reasonable tax PER YEAR?!? That is insane.
Something needs to be done, Mary. Townships need to be eliminated. County government needs to be reformed, reconstituted in a way that almost every other county in this country constitutes itself.
If a county executive with the power to appoint the sherrif, coroner, auditor, and treasurer is so "undemocratic", I guess everywhere OTHER than Indiana is not a democracy, huh?
How ignorant can you be?
We need less naywayers and more doers. Mary Elgin is the problem, and eliminating her job is the solution.
Puh-lease. Can you say, "pass the buck"?
Mary Elgin thinks you're stupid. She blames "The Big 4" (BP, LTV, Inland, US Steel) and "high income homeowners" for "manufacturing" the property tax crisis, not big, inefficient government.
What a load of crap.
"The big 4" (which is actually the "Big 3" since Mittal bought out both Inland and LTV) were getting RIPPED OFF for DECADES by the likes of Mary Elgin.
And, quite frankly, thanks to the likes of Mary Elgin, there are dammned few "high income taxpayers" in Lake County. The average salary in Lake County is pathetic.
The "opinion piece" is so self serving as to be almost comic. It's like a parody that I might write. I mean, what do you take away from this:
The double-whammy on homeowners caused anguish, consternation and outrage. Led by influential upper income homeowners who saw their tax bills spiraling like rampaging tornados, certain regional leaders found a convenient whipping boy in the guise of local government.
Did Don King write that? Could she USE more analogies in there?
What a joke.
Here's the deal, Mary. Calumet township, along with The City of Gary and Gary schools, impose a levy on taxpayers that is out of proportion with anything that is reasonable and just. Who thinks that upwards of 10% of a homes market value is a reasonable tax PER YEAR?!? That is insane.
Something needs to be done, Mary. Townships need to be eliminated. County government needs to be reformed, reconstituted in a way that almost every other county in this country constitutes itself.
If a county executive with the power to appoint the sherrif, coroner, auditor, and treasurer is so "undemocratic", I guess everywhere OTHER than Indiana is not a democracy, huh?
How ignorant can you be?
We need less naywayers and more doers. Mary Elgin is the problem, and eliminating her job is the solution.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
What are YOU going to do to prevent global warming
As someone who literally has a crude oil pipeline in his back yard, excuse me if I don't have much sympathy for the homeowners who objected to the guy who wanted to put a wind turbine in his yard.
It seems to me that NIMBY is more prevelant on the left side of the aisle. It seems to me that Republicans are more sympathetic to property rights, and thus might be more likely to grant this variance.
I think that this guy is awesome. He wants to put up a wind turbine and a ground source heat pump. The combination of the two probably mean that he's completely self sufficient for heating, cooling, and power. There are times that he's going to be selling power back to the system, which we all benefit from.
The variance was canned because some people don't want to look at the tower. That's just sad. In these times of uncertain energy sources and high prices, why can't we get past NIMBY?
BTW, if I had unlimited funds and an understanding homeowners association, I'd have a wind turbine too!
So, all you Democrats out there, what are YOU PERSONALLY doing to address global warming?
It seems to me that NIMBY is more prevelant on the left side of the aisle. It seems to me that Republicans are more sympathetic to property rights, and thus might be more likely to grant this variance.
I think that this guy is awesome. He wants to put up a wind turbine and a ground source heat pump. The combination of the two probably mean that he's completely self sufficient for heating, cooling, and power. There are times that he's going to be selling power back to the system, which we all benefit from.
The variance was canned because some people don't want to look at the tower. That's just sad. In these times of uncertain energy sources and high prices, why can't we get past NIMBY?
BTW, if I had unlimited funds and an understanding homeowners association, I'd have a wind turbine too!
So, all you Democrats out there, what are YOU PERSONALLY doing to address global warming?
The Times Jihad against TIFs.
The Times has had a series of articles about Tax Increment Financing Districts (TIF) in Northwest Indiana.
The tome of the articles has been negative, except for the last article, which noted that corporations expect TIFs in return for development. TIFs are VERY common in Illinois, for example, and we could lose more development to Illinois if we don't have TIFs.
They also noted how we are underdeveloped in terms of high end retailers, and TIFs could address that.
What they fail to realize is that Lake County doesn't get the high end retailers because WE'RE POOR! Our average salary is half that of Cook County, for example. Why on earth would a Pottery Barn or a Crate and Barrel come into a community where most people can't afford its wares?
Personally, I'm not all that enthralled with giving private entities property tax breaks in return for development. TIFs have their place, but I don't think getting a Pottery Barn is one of them.
Quite honestly, what does a locality like Schereville get for its TIF "investment"? More traffic, that's about it. Maybe it boosts the value of residential property to be near a Pottery Barn, but Munster and Highland get that value too. So it's a blunt instrument, at best.
Better to work to keep taxes low for everyone.
The tome of the articles has been negative, except for the last article, which noted that corporations expect TIFs in return for development. TIFs are VERY common in Illinois, for example, and we could lose more development to Illinois if we don't have TIFs.
They also noted how we are underdeveloped in terms of high end retailers, and TIFs could address that.
What they fail to realize is that Lake County doesn't get the high end retailers because WE'RE POOR! Our average salary is half that of Cook County, for example. Why on earth would a Pottery Barn or a Crate and Barrel come into a community where most people can't afford its wares?
Personally, I'm not all that enthralled with giving private entities property tax breaks in return for development. TIFs have their place, but I don't think getting a Pottery Barn is one of them.
Quite honestly, what does a locality like Schereville get for its TIF "investment"? More traffic, that's about it. Maybe it boosts the value of residential property to be near a Pottery Barn, but Munster and Highland get that value too. So it's a blunt instrument, at best.
Better to work to keep taxes low for everyone.
Lake County is run by a convicted felon
In one of the most amazing article I have ever read, members of the Lake County Council, including the chairwoman, admit that the county is more or less run by a man convicted of felony tax evasion.
If you are a Democrat who needs more evidence that the people running this party in Lake County are EVIL, this article should do it for you. These people don't care what the law says, they'll roll over ANYONE in their way. Ask Democrat Councilman Tom O'Donnell. Ask all the people who bothered to show up at these meetings to voice their opiniion, who were denied their constitutional right to fee speech.
I think that it might take violent protests at the next Council meeting to stop this COIT from passing against the will of the people of Lake County.
If you are a Democrat who needs more evidence that the people running this party in Lake County are EVIL, this article should do it for you. These people don't care what the law says, they'll roll over ANYONE in their way. Ask Democrat Councilman Tom O'Donnell. Ask all the people who bothered to show up at these meetings to voice their opiniion, who were denied their constitutional right to fee speech.
I think that it might take violent protests at the next Council meeting to stop this COIT from passing against the will of the people of Lake County.
Democrat Christine Cid Thinks You're Stupid
Democrat Lake County Councilwoman Christine Cid is a public employee with the county. As such, she has major conflicts of interest on anything that she votes on.
The COIT vote was no different. Yet she failed to excuse herself from the vote!
Her excuse? The COIT will be used for property tax relief and thus, as a county employee, she doesn't "profit directly" from it.
Christine Cid thinks that you're stupid.
Here's the deal. Property taxes are capped at 2%. Most Lake County municipalities have hit the 2% cap. Thus, if Lake County passes a COIT, all it does is offset the portion of the property tax that falls over the 2% cap.
In another words, any public employee working for a municipality over the 2% cap "profits" from the COIT. If they don't have the COIT, the municipality will have to cut its budget, and more than likely there will be layoffs.
The COIT vote was no different. Yet she failed to excuse herself from the vote!
Her excuse? The COIT will be used for property tax relief and thus, as a county employee, she doesn't "profit directly" from it.
Christine Cid thinks that you're stupid.
Here's the deal. Property taxes are capped at 2%. Most Lake County municipalities have hit the 2% cap. Thus, if Lake County passes a COIT, all it does is offset the portion of the property tax that falls over the 2% cap.
In another words, any public employee working for a municipality over the 2% cap "profits" from the COIT. If they don't have the COIT, the municipality will have to cut its budget, and more than likely there will be layoffs.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Illiana tollway in the Tribune again yesterday
The Illinois tollway is switching focus now that open road tolling and the 355 extension are complete. The Illiana tollway and Prarie Parkway are on their radar.
This is awesome news for Chicaoland drivers. A mega project that combines the Prarie Parkway and Illiana tollway into a giant ring road around Chicago, from the Northwest tollway around to I-94 in Portage would be my preference.
This is awesome news for Chicaoland drivers. A mega project that combines the Prarie Parkway and Illiana tollway into a giant ring road around Chicago, from the Northwest tollway around to I-94 in Portage would be my preference.
Democrat Gerry Scheub: One Badass
Democrat Lake County Commisioner Gerry Scheub says that if the Lake County Council overides his veto of the COIT, he will resign from the party.
Here's to hoping that he considers switching to the Republican party. We need more people willing to put it on the line and not be steamrolled by the machine.
Go Red!
Here's to hoping that he considers switching to the Republican party. We need more people willing to put it on the line and not be steamrolled by the machine.
Go Red!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Justification for a lawsuit on the COIT
The document put out by the Lake County Commissioners to justify their veto of the COIT is awesome.
All the possible reasons to bring a lawsuit against the county in tax court to stop the COIT is there:
1) HB 1478 was unconstitutional.
2) Will Smith has been impeached.
3) There were no public hearings.
4) Councilmembers had conflicts of interest.
I just need a good lawyer. Know any?
All the possible reasons to bring a lawsuit against the county in tax court to stop the COIT is there:
1) HB 1478 was unconstitutional.
2) Will Smith has been impeached.
3) There were no public hearings.
4) Councilmembers had conflicts of interest.
I just need a good lawyer. Know any?
We ALL have COITs now.
It's a sad day in Indiana. Now every godforsaken County in this state has a local income tax.
Bilski flipped. O'Donnell didn't even show up to vote. Lake County has in income tax.
How do things work in Lake County? The County Council has not opened one meeting to public comment! This is a county run by and for the insiders. Normal citizens need not apply. Just shut the f*** up and pay your damn taxes.
Bilski flipped. O'Donnell didn't even show up to vote. Lake County has in income tax.
How do things work in Lake County? The County Council has not opened one meeting to public comment! This is a county run by and for the insiders. Normal citizens need not apply. Just shut the f*** up and pay your damn taxes.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Call Ted Bilski and tell him not to flip on the COIT!
Democrat Lake County Councilman Ted "The Flipper" Bilski's home phone number is (219) 947-7672.
Tell him Buzzcut says hi!
Tell him Buzzcut says hi!
Democrat Ted "The Flipper" Bilski
Maybe Democrat County Councilman Tom O'Donnell won't be the one to flip his vote for the income tax. Democrat Ted Bilski may be the one.
Bilski says he will vote for the tax IF all the revenue goes to jack up the homestead credit.
I don't see how any councilman representing the big 3 (Gary, East Chicago, Hammond) could vote for the COIT if it all goes to homesteaders. Gary alone loses more than $3M under that distribution formula.
Bilski is also a liar. He says that he has different numbers than the ones calculated by the consultant hired by the county (and the report of which I got from Republican Larry Blanchard).
If he has different numbers, what are they? Where did he get them from.
I smell bull....
Bilski says he will vote for the tax IF all the revenue goes to jack up the homestead credit.
I don't see how any councilman representing the big 3 (Gary, East Chicago, Hammond) could vote for the COIT if it all goes to homesteaders. Gary alone loses more than $3M under that distribution formula.
Bilski is also a liar. He says that he has different numbers than the ones calculated by the consultant hired by the county (and the report of which I got from Republican Larry Blanchard).
If he has different numbers, what are they? Where did he get them from.
I smell bull....
Monday, December 17, 2007
Don't F*** with the librarians
Librarians are organizing against the Blue Ribbon Commision recomendation that all libraries be consolodated at the county level.
They argue that libraries are a very small cost to taxpayers compared to schools.
Of course, what they don't tell you is that the levy for libraries is actually the fastest growing levy, statewide. It's growing faster than the levy for schools.
The only library I have access to the the Lake County branch in Munster. I don't see why Hammond and East Chicago need their own library system. Consolodation with Lake County is a no-brainer, even if it is only symbolic.
They argue that libraries are a very small cost to taxpayers compared to schools.
Of course, what they don't tell you is that the levy for libraries is actually the fastest growing levy, statewide. It's growing faster than the levy for schools.
The only library I have access to the the Lake County branch in Munster. I don't see why Hammond and East Chicago need their own library system. Consolodation with Lake County is a no-brainer, even if it is only symbolic.
COIT vote tomorrow
There's still time to call Tom O'Donnell and threaten him physically if he votes for the income tax
Okay, don't threaten. But do call him at (219) 322-4433.
That's his home number, by the way. Tell him Buzzcut says, "hi".
Okay, don't threaten. But do call him at (219) 322-4433.
That's his home number, by the way. Tell him Buzzcut says, "hi".
My sore back: where's global warming when you need it?
We got a foot of snow yesterday in Munster.
I've got a crappy little 1-stage snowblower. It could not handle a foot of snow. I ended up doing a lot of shoveling. I can hardly walk today!
I can't wait for global warming to make snow extinct!
I've got a crappy little 1-stage snowblower. It could not handle a foot of snow. I ended up doing a lot of shoveling. I can hardly walk today!
I can't wait for global warming to make snow extinct!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Visclosky should have been packing.
The great state of Indiana grants us the right to carry concealed weapons on our person in public.
I know, I know, defending ourselves is a fundamental right that the state should not grant nor deny. Whatever. The fact is that you can pack heat in Indiana, but not in Illinois or Wisconsin.
Anyway, you have the right in Indiana. You should partake of that right.
Too bad Visclosky wasn't. He could have taken two perps off the street.
I know, I know, defending ourselves is a fundamental right that the state should not grant nor deny. Whatever. The fact is that you can pack heat in Indiana, but not in Illinois or Wisconsin.
Anyway, you have the right in Indiana. You should partake of that right.
Too bad Visclosky wasn't. He could have taken two perps off the street.
Hit and Run take home car driver was DRUNK.
It was well burried in the story yesterday, but the "road supervisor" who was involved in a hit and run the other day blew a .108, well over the limit.
If you or I were pulled over and blew a .108, we'd be in the slammer. Yet, with this guy, the county prosecuter reportedly has to decide whether to prosecute or not.
Are you kidding me?
If you or I were pulled over and blew a .108, we'd be in the slammer. Yet, with this guy, the county prosecuter reportedly has to decide whether to prosecute or not.
Are you kidding me?
Government by and for its employees
The blue ribbon commision recomended that government employees not be elected to the "units" that they work for.
Not surprisingly, there are lots of elected officials in Lake County who also work for their "units"
And also not surprisingly, they've got lots of excuses why it is AOK, and nothing needs to be changed.
Like I said before, ALL government employees should be banned from elected office. While we're at it, they shouldn't be unionized either. The biggest threat to democracy is the power of unionized government employees.
Not surprisingly, there are lots of elected officials in Lake County who also work for their "units"
And also not surprisingly, they've got lots of excuses why it is AOK, and nothing needs to be changed.
Like I said before, ALL government employees should be banned from elected office. While we're at it, they shouldn't be unionized either. The biggest threat to democracy is the power of unionized government employees.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
HSAs for the poor: I'm so jealous!
When I graduated college and started working, all we had were stupid HMOs.
Now even the poor in Indiana can get into HSAs.
I'd have killed to have an HSA when I was starting out. I would have saved a boatload. Before I had kids, I NEVER went to the doctor.
Now even the poor in Indiana can get into HSAs.
I'd have killed to have an HSA when I was starting out. I would have saved a boatload. Before I had kids, I NEVER went to the doctor.
Latest Scandal: Take home car involved in hit and run
One of the perks of "serving" in Lake County government is a take home car.
Wouldn't you know it, one of these jackasses was involved in a hit and run with this county take home car!
What kind of a person gets into an accident and then just drives away? This guy needs to be fired immediately. The kind of person that is involved in a hit and run has no morals whatsoever.
Elimination of all take home cars needs to be the next reform in Lake County.
Wouldn't you know it, one of these jackasses was involved in a hit and run with this county take home car!
What kind of a person gets into an accident and then just drives away? This guy needs to be fired immediately. The kind of person that is involved in a hit and run has no morals whatsoever.
Elimination of all take home cars needs to be the next reform in Lake County.
OMG! I Like the Democrat for Governor?!?
Common sense from a Democrat? Are pigs flying?
Thompson has "reservations" about the general assembly forcing Lake County to adopt a county income tax.
To be fair, my man Mitch has said the same thing.
Thompson also has "reservations" about enshrining the tax caps as ammendments.
Reading the article, she doesn't say anything too controversial. More than likely, the Democrats are going to run against reform, from the sound of it.
Thompson has "reservations" about the general assembly forcing Lake County to adopt a county income tax.
To be fair, my man Mitch has said the same thing.
Thompson also has "reservations" about enshrining the tax caps as ammendments.
Reading the article, she doesn't say anything too controversial. More than likely, the Democrats are going to run against reform, from the sound of it.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Why can't we kill these busses?!?!
My hatred of busses is well known.
So it was good news yesterday when we learned that the Gary transit system was probably going to go bankrupt. Woo Hoo!
Unfortunately, there are other entities ready to take its place. D'oh!
Why can't we get these lumbering, stinky, polluting behemoths off our roads for good?
Valpo is trying to start a commuter bus service to Chicago. This is less of a concern to me. The service will be provided by a private company, and the busses are only on the highway. That's not as bad as busses on City streets, stopping at every corner to let people on and off.
So it was good news yesterday when we learned that the Gary transit system was probably going to go bankrupt. Woo Hoo!
Unfortunately, there are other entities ready to take its place. D'oh!
Why can't we get these lumbering, stinky, polluting behemoths off our roads for good?
Valpo is trying to start a commuter bus service to Chicago. This is less of a concern to me. The service will be provided by a private company, and the busses are only on the highway. That's not as bad as busses on City streets, stopping at every corner to let people on and off.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Die Gary Transit System, DIE!!!!
The corrupt, incompetant GTRC is in danger of going under
Good riddance. I HATE busses. They're stinky, they clog up traffic, and they're costly to subsidize. Oh, and they need LOTS of drivers, who are of course unionized public employees.
What's the best thing a poor person could do to better their economic situation? Get a car. Cars are wonderful productivity tools. They get you to your job in the most expeditive fashion. They also allow you access to jobs far from your community.
One reason that Gary is so poor is that so many people don't have cars.
Good riddance. I HATE busses. They're stinky, they clog up traffic, and they're costly to subsidize. Oh, and they need LOTS of drivers, who are of course unionized public employees.
What's the best thing a poor person could do to better their economic situation? Get a car. Cars are wonderful productivity tools. They get you to your job in the most expeditive fashion. They also allow you access to jobs far from your community.
One reason that Gary is so poor is that so many people don't have cars.
Blue Ribbon Commission Report: DOA
I don't know about you, but I'd rather that lawmakers work to streamline government rather than screw around with the tax system.
The reality is that legislators would rather screw up the tax system even more than act on the Blue Ribbon commissions recomendations, which would, you know, actually FIX something.
The reality is that legislators would rather screw up the tax system even more than act on the Blue Ribbon commissions recomendations, which would, you know, actually FIX something.
AG Steve Carter has gone 38 for 53
If Steve Carter were a ballplayer, he'd be in the hall of fame
38 of 53 East Chicago officials charged with vote fraud in '03 have been convicted. 10 more are "in the system" and may still be convicted.
Of course, none of the people convicted are named Pastrick. But it's a start.
Those of you downstate, take some time to learn the details of this case. This is exactly why we need the ID to vote law. It puts a stop to this kind of nonsense.
38 of 53 East Chicago officials charged with vote fraud in '03 have been convicted. 10 more are "in the system" and may still be convicted.
Of course, none of the people convicted are named Pastrick. But it's a start.
Those of you downstate, take some time to learn the details of this case. This is exactly why we need the ID to vote law. It puts a stop to this kind of nonsense.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Strange reaction to the Blue Ribbon Commission
I can't find a link on the Times website, but in the print edition, they have "man on the street" reaction to the blue ribbon commision.
One hippie said that counties should be doing things like "making anti-Iraw war resolutions", not doing the work now done by townships.
That makes as much sense as the Gary City Council making an anti-war resolution.
OOOPS! They did that!
Man, Democrats are just STUPID. Coulter is right, if Democrats were smart, they'd be Republicans.
One hippie said that counties should be doing things like "making anti-Iraw war resolutions", not doing the work now done by townships.
That makes as much sense as the Gary City Council making an anti-war resolution.
OOOPS! They did that!
Man, Democrats are just STUPID. Coulter is right, if Democrats were smart, they'd be Republicans.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The Times endorses Buzzcut's Tax Plan
Don't feed the animals. Vote down the COIT.
Think of the $15 million cut in the levy that the state will impose if we don't pass the COIT as a downpayment towards the $266 million in cuts that are coming in 2010.
Think of the $15 million cut in the levy that the state will impose if we don't pass the COIT as a downpayment towards the $266 million in cuts that are coming in 2010.
Reform Commision doesn't go far enough
The "blue ribbon" panel on local government reform has made its recomendations, and they don't go far enough.
Getting rid of townships and small school districts is all well and good, but this caught my eye:
Prohibiting local government employees from serving as elected officials within the same unit of government
The rule should be that local government employees should be prohibited from holding ANY elected office. You can't be a teacher and be on a school board in another district, for example.
Getting rid of townships and small school districts is all well and good, but this caught my eye:
Prohibiting local government employees from serving as elected officials within the same unit of government
The rule should be that local government employees should be prohibited from holding ANY elected office. You can't be a teacher and be on a school board in another district, for example.
More on Democrat Charlie Brown's bogus assessment
More from commenter g:
Yes, I only compared to his development. The townhomes are all similar, if not identical. Here are all of the townhomes:
25-45-0247-0001 9449 LAKE SHORE BLACKWELL -VANHALA PEGGY J. ASSMT $186,600
25-45-0247-0002 9447 LAKE SHORE G TERLIZZI CHARLENE ASSMT $164,500
25-45-0247-0003 9439 LAKE SHORE BROWN CHARLIE & ANGELA BAKER ASSMT $169,200
25-45-0247-0004 9437 LAKE SHORE G NUGENT MICHAEL C ASSMT $166,100, sold for $397,000 on 5/25/06
25-45-0247-0005 9429 LAKE SHORE MIDDLEBROOKS FELICIA ASMT $168,100
25-45-0247-0007 9427 LAKE SHORE ANDERSON RANDALL (BEING RE-RECORDED) ASSMT $174,800, sold for $369,900 on 12/21/05
Looks to me like the entire development is underassessed. The corruption may be at the assessers office.
Or like all levels of government in Lake County, it just might be incompetance.
My assessment is within 5% of what I paid for my house.
Yes, I only compared to his development. The townhomes are all similar, if not identical. Here are all of the townhomes:
25-45-0247-0001 9449 LAKE SHORE BLACKWELL -VANHALA PEGGY J. ASSMT $186,600
25-45-0247-0002 9447 LAKE SHORE G TERLIZZI CHARLENE ASSMT $164,500
25-45-0247-0003 9439 LAKE SHORE BROWN CHARLIE & ANGELA BAKER ASSMT $169,200
25-45-0247-0004 9437 LAKE SHORE G NUGENT MICHAEL C ASSMT $166,100, sold for $397,000 on 5/25/06
25-45-0247-0005 9429 LAKE SHORE MIDDLEBROOKS FELICIA ASMT $168,100
25-45-0247-0007 9427 LAKE SHORE ANDERSON RANDALL (BEING RE-RECORDED) ASSMT $174,800, sold for $369,900 on 12/21/05
Looks to me like the entire development is underassessed. The corruption may be at the assessers office.
Or like all levels of government in Lake County, it just might be incompetance.
My assessment is within 5% of what I paid for my house.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Illiana bypass in the Chicago Tribune
The Illiana tollway/ bypass is in the news today
Did you know that this bypass has been in transportation plans since the 1960's?
I know a lot of people don't want the thing, but as a driver in the Chicago area, I want this thing built to as full extent as possible. I want it to go as far east as possible, go as far west as possible, and intersect as many other highways as possible.
If it needs to be a tollway, so be it. I'd prefer a freeway, but I more prefer the thing be built as soon as possible.
Did you know that this bypass has been in transportation plans since the 1960's?
I know a lot of people don't want the thing, but as a driver in the Chicago area, I want this thing built to as full extent as possible. I want it to go as far east as possible, go as far west as possible, and intersect as many other highways as possible.
If it needs to be a tollway, so be it. I'd prefer a freeway, but I more prefer the thing be built as soon as possible.
The soft corruption of Democrat State Rep. Charlie Brown
Democrat State Rep. Charlie Brown of Gary owns a condo that is roughly $216,350 underasessed. At Gary property tax rates, that nets him a cool $10,684.45.
That's not quite the same thing as filling your gas tank up at the County pump. No, this is a much more sophisticated form of corruption.
That's not quite the same thing as filling your gas tank up at the County pump. No, this is a much more sophisticated form of corruption.
Post-Trib agrees with me
We're opposed to more taxes until we know the abuse of taxpayers' money -- whether it's in gasoline use, do-nothing jobs or inefficiencies -- has stopped.
Like I said, don't feed the animals. No income tax. The bastards don't need another source of revenue. They already steal too much out of the sources that they have, and unlike the property tax, the income tax isn't capped.
Like I said, don't feed the animals. No income tax. The bastards don't need another source of revenue. They already steal too much out of the sources that they have, and unlike the property tax, the income tax isn't capped.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Dirt on Dem. Rep Charlie Brown of Gary
There is a challenge to Dem. Rep. Charlie Brown in the Democrat Primary.
To help the "Defeat Brown" side, commented "g" has a little dirt:
"I only wish Charlie Brown and his neighbors on Lake Shore Drive in Miller were "giving a little back". Look up his assessment (parcel 25-45-0247-000) at $169,200 (raised all the way from $167,100) for one of the townhomes on Wells Street Beach. What were the last sales (and true market value) of these townhomes? 9427 Lake Shore sold for $369,900 on 12/21/05 and 9437 Lake Shore sold for $397,000 on 5/25/06. How many people in Lake County have an assessment this far under market value? "
Charlie Brown needs to be defeated. We don't need any 25 year incumbants ANYWHERE in Indiana.
To help the "Defeat Brown" side, commented "g" has a little dirt:
"I only wish Charlie Brown and his neighbors on Lake Shore Drive in Miller were "giving a little back". Look up his assessment (parcel 25-45-0247-000) at $169,200 (raised all the way from $167,100) for one of the townhomes on Wells Street Beach. What were the last sales (and true market value) of these townhomes? 9427 Lake Shore sold for $369,900 on 12/21/05 and 9437 Lake Shore sold for $397,000 on 5/25/06. How many people in Lake County have an assessment this far under market value? "
Charlie Brown needs to be defeated. We don't need any 25 year incumbants ANYWHERE in Indiana.
Solution No. 2: Cutting Municipalities in Lake County
In Lake County, there are 19 cities and towns, 16 school districts, 11 townships, seven library systems and nearly three dozen other miscellaneous taxing units.
More than likely, Mitch's "Blue Ribbon Commision" is going to propose eliminating townships and non-county library systems, and consolodating those functions, such as they are, at the county level.
Unfortunately, there's not a lot of money to be saved by eliminating those levels of government. The big money is at the school and municipal level in the Big 3 (Hammond, Gary, East Chicago).
But it's a start.
More than likely, Mitch's "Blue Ribbon Commision" is going to propose eliminating townships and non-county library systems, and consolodating those functions, such as they are, at the county level.
Unfortunately, there's not a lot of money to be saved by eliminating those levels of government. The big money is at the school and municipal level in the Big 3 (Hammond, Gary, East Chicago).
But it's a start.
Mitch says $266M can be made up by "Moderating Spending"
Mitch says that the $266M shortfall under current law, or $366M under his new law, should not be made up from an increased COIT.
Does he know that Lake County municipalities overwhelmingly increased their levy this year, depite the 2% circuit breaker in current law?
These jokers have no ability to discipline themselves and cut taxes. THe law that forces Lake County to adopt a COIT was very bad legislation, as a result.
Thanks for nothing, Mitch.
Does he know that Lake County municipalities overwhelmingly increased their levy this year, depite the 2% circuit breaker in current law?
These jokers have no ability to discipline themselves and cut taxes. THe law that forces Lake County to adopt a COIT was very bad legislation, as a result.
Thanks for nothing, Mitch.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Tax Solutions, Part 1: pension reform
Chris wants some solutions to the tax crisis, which we all know is really a spending crisis
The solution is of course to cut, cut, cut. But where to begin?
With 77% of government expenses being operating expenses, and most of those expenses going to employee salaries and benefits, it's pretty easy to see where we need to start cutting.
Here's the first thing that I'd do: convert all public employee pensions from defined benefit to cash balance. Most corporations have done this, I don't see why government should be any different.
Once they're cash balance, freeze them. Don't put any more money into them. Employees would get the cash balance from the pension, but nothing more.
Employees would then need to start contributing to their 403(b) accounts, or not have a pension. Again, this is what most corporations do these days. Why should government employees be better compensated than private employees?
I'd have the government match 5% of an employees salary in the 403(b).
More ideas to come!
The solution is of course to cut, cut, cut. But where to begin?
With 77% of government expenses being operating expenses, and most of those expenses going to employee salaries and benefits, it's pretty easy to see where we need to start cutting.
Here's the first thing that I'd do: convert all public employee pensions from defined benefit to cash balance. Most corporations have done this, I don't see why government should be any different.
Once they're cash balance, freeze them. Don't put any more money into them. Employees would get the cash balance from the pension, but nothing more.
Employees would then need to start contributing to their 403(b) accounts, or not have a pension. Again, this is what most corporations do these days. Why should government employees be better compensated than private employees?
I'd have the government match 5% of an employees salary in the 403(b).
More ideas to come!
Too much incest in Lake County Government
One thing that drove me away from the Democrat party is the undue influence that public employees have. The Democrat party isn't the party of the poor, it is the party by and for public employees.
When the politicians are also the employees, I call that incest.
This article shows another example of what I'm talking about.
County Surveyor Van Til's assistant is also a councilman from Schereville. County assesor Dan Repay is a councilman in Hammond. The town manager in St. John is a councilman in Schereville. All these guys are Democrats.
There should be a state ethics law preventing public employees, including teachers, from running for office while they're still public employees. It is a conflict of interest for the people voting on budgets (and thus salaries) to be the beneficiaries of those salaries.
When the politicians are also the employees, I call that incest.
This article shows another example of what I'm talking about.
County Surveyor Van Til's assistant is also a councilman from Schereville. County assesor Dan Repay is a councilman in Hammond. The town manager in St. John is a councilman in Schereville. All these guys are Democrats.
There should be a state ethics law preventing public employees, including teachers, from running for office while they're still public employees. It is a conflict of interest for the people voting on budgets (and thus salaries) to be the beneficiaries of those salaries.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Do State subsidies CAUSE increased property taxes
Here's an interesing tidbit from Mitch's "fact sheet" on property taxes:
Indiana ranked 8th for its 2000-2005 increases in per capita property taxes. During thesame time period, state property taxes subsidies doubled from
$1 billion to $2 billion
This is a time frame overwhich there was actually general deflation.
However, these were sectors that had very strong inflation, rates similar to those at which property taxes increased. Those sectors were college tuition and health care.
Now, what do Indiana property taxes, college tuition, and health care have in common? They're all heavily subsidized by government.
Buzzcut's tax plan eliminates the state subsidy to property taxes. No more homestead credit, no more PTRC.
Indiana ranked 8th for its 2000-2005 increases in per capita property taxes. During thesame time period, state property taxes subsidies doubled from
$1 billion to $2 billion
This is a time frame overwhich there was actually general deflation.
However, these were sectors that had very strong inflation, rates similar to those at which property taxes increased. Those sectors were college tuition and health care.
Now, what do Indiana property taxes, college tuition, and health care have in common? They're all heavily subsidized by government.
Buzzcut's tax plan eliminates the state subsidy to property taxes. No more homestead credit, no more PTRC.
Local governments still spending out of control
You'd think that with the circuit breakers starting to take effect and cutting the amount of tevenue that local governments get, those governments would be starting to cut spending.
And you'd be wrong. Only 3 out of 80 municipalities in Lake County cut their levy this year.
Kudos to Hammond for cutting 4%. Too bad that they need to cut literally tens of millions of dollars to get in line with the 2% cap. But at least its a start.
Interestingly, Dyer raised their levy the most, but according to my calculations, they're one of the few Lake County municipalities that are under the 2% cap.
And you'd be wrong. Only 3 out of 80 municipalities in Lake County cut their levy this year.
Kudos to Hammond for cutting 4%. Too bad that they need to cut literally tens of millions of dollars to get in line with the 2% cap. But at least its a start.
Interestingly, Dyer raised their levy the most, but according to my calculations, they're one of the few Lake County municipalities that are under the 2% cap.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Mitch's plan RAISES your FEDERAL taxes
State income and property taxes are deductible on your federal income taxes if you itemize. Sales taxes are not deductible if you deduct your state income taxes.
So Mitch's plan, which swaps sales taxes for property taxes will raise your federal income taxes. You'll deduct less and pay more.
Thanks Mitch!
So Mitch's plan, which swaps sales taxes for property taxes will raise your federal income taxes. You'll deduct less and pay more.
Thanks Mitch!
What should our taxes be?
I've been reading a lot about tax competitiveness lately.
For example, Indiana now has a 6% sales tax. This compares well with 6% in Michigan and Kentucky and 6.25% in Illinois.
Where will we be at 7%? Uncompetitive in the midwest. Out there with the east coast overtaxers like New Jersey and Maryland, which are both tied for the highest state sales tax at 7%.
As of today, Indiana has the 33rd lowest property tax rate. Under Mitch's plan, we'll be 43rd.
The rule of thumb in Illinois is that property taxes are 2% of a homes selling price. They're lower in some places like Cook County, higher in some places like DuPage County, but that's the rule of thumb.
So a 1% cap is great, but it seems unneccessary if it leads to other taxes going too high. I don't know about you, but I don't take any comfort in being tied with New Jersey for ANYTHING.
Current law seems fine to me.
For example, Indiana now has a 6% sales tax. This compares well with 6% in Michigan and Kentucky and 6.25% in Illinois.
Where will we be at 7%? Uncompetitive in the midwest. Out there with the east coast overtaxers like New Jersey and Maryland, which are both tied for the highest state sales tax at 7%.
As of today, Indiana has the 33rd lowest property tax rate. Under Mitch's plan, we'll be 43rd.
The rule of thumb in Illinois is that property taxes are 2% of a homes selling price. They're lower in some places like Cook County, higher in some places like DuPage County, but that's the rule of thumb.
So a 1% cap is great, but it seems unneccessary if it leads to other taxes going too high. I don't know about you, but I don't take any comfort in being tied with New Jersey for ANYTHING.
Current law seems fine to me.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Clarifications on tax caps
I've just been informed that I'm not 100% accurate on a few things:
The 2% homestead cap is only in effect now for Lake. That's why I got it. You suckers in Marion County need not apply.
The current 3% cap for commercial property is close, but not the same as my man Mitch's plan. The current law excludes school general funds from the cap. Commercial property would also share in benefit of Mitch's plans to shift school and welfare costs to the state, so the existing 2010 tax cut for commercial property is less than 40%. LSA has not opined as to what the difference is.
I'm still trying to dig up the original law that set the tax cap at 2%/3%, and hopefully when I do I can find the LSA study for that, which should be a useful comparison to the new study.
The 2% homestead cap is only in effect now for Lake. That's why I got it. You suckers in Marion County need not apply.
The current 3% cap for commercial property is close, but not the same as my man Mitch's plan. The current law excludes school general funds from the cap. Commercial property would also share in benefit of Mitch's plans to shift school and welfare costs to the state, so the existing 2010 tax cut for commercial property is less than 40%. LSA has not opined as to what the difference is.
I'm still trying to dig up the original law that set the tax cap at 2%/3%, and hopefully when I do I can find the LSA study for that, which should be a useful comparison to the new study.
Democrats FINALLY wake up on Mitch's sales tax
Sales taxes are very regressive taxes. The poor pay more as a % of their income than the rich. So why would Democrats be for raising the sales tax?
Well, maybe they're finally waking up. Jacking up the sales tax is a terrible idea.
Unfortunately, so is raising the COIT. Because of the way that state law is written, the way that COIT revenue is distributed gives the money mostly to homeowners and businesses. The law distibutes the money in a way that is highly correlated to income. So the rich pay more, but their communities get more too. So it's a wash, or even worse, poor communities pay more!
There is one way and only one way to fairly collect the income tax and distribute it. Raise the STATE income tax, and make it a progressive tax, not a flat tax as it is. Then, don't use the revenue for property tax relief. Use it to pay for welfare directly (take that function away from counties). Use it to give grants to poor communites. Use it in progressive ways, NOT the way they're distributing it now.
BTW, Lake County's share of the 1% sales tax increase will only be $61M a year. That doesn't even cover East Chicago's shortfall under the 1% cap!
Well, maybe they're finally waking up. Jacking up the sales tax is a terrible idea.
Unfortunately, so is raising the COIT. Because of the way that state law is written, the way that COIT revenue is distributed gives the money mostly to homeowners and businesses. The law distibutes the money in a way that is highly correlated to income. So the rich pay more, but their communities get more too. So it's a wash, or even worse, poor communities pay more!
There is one way and only one way to fairly collect the income tax and distribute it. Raise the STATE income tax, and make it a progressive tax, not a flat tax as it is. Then, don't use the revenue for property tax relief. Use it to pay for welfare directly (take that function away from counties). Use it to give grants to poor communites. Use it in progressive ways, NOT the way they're distributing it now.
BTW, Lake County's share of the 1% sales tax increase will only be $61M a year. That doesn't even cover East Chicago's shortfall under the 1% cap!
More interesting numbers about the 2% tax cap
Under current law, homesteads get their property taxes capped at 2%, everybody else at 3%. The Times had a table showing what that costs municipalities.
Some communities are doing well. Schereville and Winfield don't lose anything under a tax cap.
Most communities lose in the range of a couple hundred grand. That's a few municipal workers here, some defferred maintenance there. Not a big deal.
Then you have the big 4. Gary loses $36 MILLION, Hammond loses $21M, East Chicago loses $49M, and Whiting loses $1.3M.
This is why the COIT can't pass. The COIT is distributed based on property tax revenue, CURRENT property tax revenue. The Big 4 are spending reclessly. As a result, they get more COIT revenue than they should.
Keep in mind that this is the loss under CURRENT LAW, not my man Mitch's plan. Under that plan, East Chicago alone loses a staggering $66 MILLION!!!!
Some communities are doing well. Schereville and Winfield don't lose anything under a tax cap.
Most communities lose in the range of a couple hundred grand. That's a few municipal workers here, some defferred maintenance there. Not a big deal.
Then you have the big 4. Gary loses $36 MILLION, Hammond loses $21M, East Chicago loses $49M, and Whiting loses $1.3M.
This is why the COIT can't pass. The COIT is distributed based on property tax revenue, CURRENT property tax revenue. The Big 4 are spending reclessly. As a result, they get more COIT revenue than they should.
Keep in mind that this is the loss under CURRENT LAW, not my man Mitch's plan. Under that plan, East Chicago alone loses a staggering $66 MILLION!!!!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Fooled me once...
Indiana lawmakers raised the sales tax from 5% to 6% in 2002 in order to "cut property taxes"
Sound familiar?
These guys must think that we're really stupid not to remember that!
Remember Buzzcut's tax plan? Executive summary: don't make any changes. Leave the tax system as-is, because every time these jokers make a change, things just get worse.
Can I ammend my plan? Go back to taxes as they were in 2002. Decrease the sales tax back to 5%. Eliminate the homestead exemption and the PTRC, thus making the calculation of property taxes real simple. Keep the circuit breaker at 2% for homesteads and 3% for everybody else.
Let the chips fall where they may with regards to municipal revenue. The communities that are doing a good job, like St. John and Dyer, will have to make very few cuts.
And the machine will get destroyed. Gary has a property tax rate of 4.7%, including the homestead and PTRC. God knows what it would be without those exemptions! Gary would go bankrupt, which is exactly what needs to happen.
That's Buzzcut's anti-machine tax plan!
Sound familiar?
These guys must think that we're really stupid not to remember that!
Remember Buzzcut's tax plan? Executive summary: don't make any changes. Leave the tax system as-is, because every time these jokers make a change, things just get worse.
Can I ammend my plan? Go back to taxes as they were in 2002. Decrease the sales tax back to 5%. Eliminate the homestead exemption and the PTRC, thus making the calculation of property taxes real simple. Keep the circuit breaker at 2% for homesteads and 3% for everybody else.
Let the chips fall where they may with regards to municipal revenue. The communities that are doing a good job, like St. John and Dyer, will have to make very few cuts.
And the machine will get destroyed. Gary has a property tax rate of 4.7%, including the homestead and PTRC. God knows what it would be without those exemptions! Gary would go bankrupt, which is exactly what needs to happen.
That's Buzzcut's anti-machine tax plan!
Sunday, December 2, 2007
What are '06 property tax rates?
I found a document on the in.gov website that has property tax rates for every municipality in Indiana. I crunched the numbers to determine what a $100,000 homestead would pay in every municipality in Lake County. That's the attached image.
The numbers are shocking. Just about every municipality is over the 2% tax cap (a 2% cap would be $2000 on a $100k homestead). Some are shockingly over the cap. Gary is over twice the cap, taxing homesteads at roughly 4.8%.
Now, this is just stupid. All these municipalities know that homestead taxes are capped at 2%. Why on earth would you publish a tax rate higher than 2%? They don't get the extra money, the 2% cap is an unfunded mandate by the state.
BTW, I calculated what my taxes should be based on my assessed value, and came up with the exact same number given to me by the county treasurer clerk, so my numbers are 100% correct. I am doing the calculation correctly.
Kudos to St. John. They're not much over the 1% cap proposed by my man Mitch. Very impressive, considering that they're doing it without the benefit of a COIT or Mitch's sales tax kickback.
I had the opportunity to buy in St. John. Maybe I should have.
Taxation without representation
I can't find it on the web, but in the Times today, there was a quote by Democrat state Rep Charlie Brown of Gary, "I honestly would like to see a breaking down between north and south county. What is wrong with a little giving back?"
What is wrong with a little giving back? Is this retard familiar with the concept of "no taxation without representation".
I know that Gary schools are bad, but could this man seriously not have heard of the American revolution?
Maybe they don't teach history in special education classes.
What's wrong with giving back is that I'm the one "giving back", yet I have no say as to what that money is spent on in Gary.
That's un-American.
What's needed is for this income tax to fail, for the tax caps to take full effect, and for Gary, East Chicago, Hammond, and Whiting to be forced to significantly downsize their bloated municipal payrolls.
What is wrong with a little giving back? Is this retard familiar with the concept of "no taxation without representation".
I know that Gary schools are bad, but could this man seriously not have heard of the American revolution?
Maybe they don't teach history in special education classes.
What's wrong with giving back is that I'm the one "giving back", yet I have no say as to what that money is spent on in Gary.
That's un-American.
What's needed is for this income tax to fail, for the tax caps to take full effect, and for Gary, East Chicago, Hammond, and Whiting to be forced to significantly downsize their bloated municipal payrolls.
It's worse than I thought!
Both O'Donnell AND Bilski are going to flip!
This article just goes to show that these councilmen have no idea what the income tax is and how it will work in practice.
I showed you how the funds will be distributed. 50% will go to pump up the homestead tax credit and 50% will pump up the PTRC for residential property.
Look at the numbers. They're terrible for Hobart and Ross townships. Why on earth would Bilski be for this tax? It takes money from his constituents and sends it to St. John.
Look at the numbers again. They're terrible for Calumet township. Why on earth would any councilman from Gary be for this tax?
These councilmen are quite ignorant on the subject. They should read this blog and educate themselves.
This article just goes to show that these councilmen have no idea what the income tax is and how it will work in practice.
I showed you how the funds will be distributed. 50% will go to pump up the homestead tax credit and 50% will pump up the PTRC for residential property.
Look at the numbers. They're terrible for Hobart and Ross townships. Why on earth would Bilski be for this tax? It takes money from his constituents and sends it to St. John.
Look at the numbers again. They're terrible for Calumet township. Why on earth would any councilman from Gary be for this tax?
These councilmen are quite ignorant on the subject. They should read this blog and educate themselves.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
How the COIT Distribution effects you
The Lake County Council hired a consultant to look at how a COIT would impact property tax collections in the various municipalities, under the various distribution scenarios.
For their prefered scenario, this is how each municipality will make out (organized by township for some reason).
You can see that Gary (in Calumet township) and Hobart get royally screwed.
I think that the reason for this is that Gary has a lot of commercial property that doesn't count under this distribution. Gary also has a lot of cheap houses that don't get the full value of the homestead credit (if your house is only worth $25k, a homestead creadit increase from $35k to $45k does nothing for you).
Hobart has the mall and all that retail property that does nothing for them under this distribution (50% homestead, 50% residential PTRC).
I think that I'm warming up to Mitch's plan...
if it forces north Lake County municipalities to go on a starvation diet.
I still don't like the increase in the sales tax, and thus I prefer current law. But maybe I see a method to his madness.
I still don't like the increase in the sales tax, and thus I prefer current law. But maybe I see a method to his madness.
More behind the numbers
It is no secret that Whiting, Hammond, East Chicago, and Gary are overstaffed. They do the same job with thousands of employees that Munster, Dyer, Schereville, and St. John do with hundreds.
As a result, under the current COIT distribution formula, these towns with their bloated budgets get a larger share of income tax revenue.
It seems to me that, if cuts need to be enacted to make up for a $279M revenue shortfall, the cuts can come more easily from Whiting, Hammond, East Chicago, and Gary. Just bringing, say, the student-teacher ratios in the classrooms of these 4 school districts in line to the county average will save frillion upon frillion of dollars.
As a result, under the current COIT distribution formula, these towns with their bloated budgets get a larger share of income tax revenue.
It seems to me that, if cuts need to be enacted to make up for a $279M revenue shortfall, the cuts can come more easily from Whiting, Hammond, East Chicago, and Gary. Just bringing, say, the student-teacher ratios in the classrooms of these 4 school districts in line to the county average will save frillion upon frillion of dollars.
Behind the numbers
One interesting aspect of the blockbuster tax story is that commercial property is more or less unchanged under current law and my man Mitch's plan.
Under both scenarios, commercial property gets a 3% cap.
According to legislative services, this results in a 40% drop in commercial property taxes.
It seems to me that this cut in commercial property taxes is coming no matter what. It probably is the reason that, even under current law, Lake County is facing a $279M hole by 2010.
Under both scenarios, commercial property gets a 3% cap.
According to legislative services, this results in a 40% drop in commercial property taxes.
It seems to me that this cut in commercial property taxes is coming no matter what. It probably is the reason that, even under current law, Lake County is facing a $279M hole by 2010.
Blockbuster tax story!
counties to face massive cuts or income tax increases
Under current law, with a 2% tax cap on residential property and a 3% cap on rental and commercial property, Lake County municipalities will be $279M in the hole by 2010, according to legislative services.
Under my boy Mitch's plan, with a 1% residential cap, a 2% rental cap, and a 3% commercial cap, Lake County will be $366M in the hole.
These numbers are INSANE. According to legislative services, it will require a ~4% county income tax to make up for this revenue, in addition to the 3.4% state income tax. Also, the assumption is that the state kicks back 1% of sales tax to the counties.
Even under current law, my back of the envelope calculation is that Lake County would not only need a COIT, it would have to raise it from 1% to 3.6% to make up that revenue!
These are insane numbers. Did I mention the word inane?
Keep in mind that the rest of the state is nowhere near as f***ed up as Lake County. Some counties don't have to raise taxes are all to meet the new 1%/2%/3%cap. That's pretty impressive.
Because most other counties have little cutting to do, I'm 100% sure that this is going to pass. And in all honesty, there's not a lot of difference between a $279M hole (plus the $78M from the COIT that will soon be imposed by the Lake County Council) and $366M.
Under current law, with a 2% tax cap on residential property and a 3% cap on rental and commercial property, Lake County municipalities will be $279M in the hole by 2010, according to legislative services.
Under my boy Mitch's plan, with a 1% residential cap, a 2% rental cap, and a 3% commercial cap, Lake County will be $366M in the hole.
These numbers are INSANE. According to legislative services, it will require a ~4% county income tax to make up for this revenue, in addition to the 3.4% state income tax. Also, the assumption is that the state kicks back 1% of sales tax to the counties.
Even under current law, my back of the envelope calculation is that Lake County would not only need a COIT, it would have to raise it from 1% to 3.6% to make up that revenue!
These are insane numbers. Did I mention the word inane?
Keep in mind that the rest of the state is nowhere near as f***ed up as Lake County. Some counties don't have to raise taxes are all to meet the new 1%/2%/3%cap. That's pretty impressive.
Because most other counties have little cutting to do, I'm 100% sure that this is going to pass. And in all honesty, there's not a lot of difference between a $279M hole (plus the $78M from the COIT that will soon be imposed by the Lake County Council) and $366M.
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