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Updated: 10:30 AM Nov 4, 2009
Colorado Springs Voters Reject 2C, 300 Passes, High Voter Turnout
Election results are in and it looks like El Paso County voters have said "no" to a property tax increase. Meanwhile, Issue 300 passes, which could require the city to phase out enterprise fees. Posted: 7:41 PM Nov 3, 2009Reporter: KKTV 11 News Email Address: news@kktv.com |
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Posted by: Anonymous
on Nov 6, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Say you make $40,000 a year. How much do you spend on local goods that the City gets sales tax for ? Say it was 30% (which is high, very, very, very high) for that salary range, the City would get $240 in sales tax revenue to pay for all the services it gives you. $240 a year for all the services you get, think about that. That's 66 cents a day. Big pruchase items cost more, like houses and cars. Who buys a car more than once every several years?? Who buys a house more than once every 20 years?? Not me..... Think about that next time you feel you're giving "THOUSANDS" of your hard earned dollars to the city. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: A Fellow Citizen
on Nov 6, 2009 at 10:27 AM
This was takes from the City web site. Average City property tax per household per year $103 Average yearly sales tax spent $274 Total: $377, The average citizen pays $377 a year for all the services the City gives you. For every $1.00 taxable purchase, 2 cents goes to the City (this is sales tax people). You realize you pay more for your local school district than you do for the City, right?? 8% of your property tax bill goes to the City, the other 92% goes elsewhere. So check your facts about all the money the City gets from you before you complain. If you buy a car for $30K, the City gets $600 in sales tax. How about a house for $200K, the City gets $4000. The City does very well to provide you with Police, fire, stop signal lights, parks, rec centers, plowing, transit, stop signs, hiking trails, crosswalks, the court system, cleaned streets, street & bridge maintenance, zoning code benefits, street lights, code enforcement, etc....... Think about that !!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Anonymous
on Nov 6, 2009 at 09:55 AM
And why should 'MY' tax dollars pay for 'YOUR' kid to go to school, 'YOUR' elderly parents to have a center to go to, 'YOUR' kids to have a park to play in or a pool to swim in. I don't use these, so why am I paying for them ??? Because it improves quality of life people. I pay a lot of taxes that benefit other people and in turn benefit the community as a whole. Don't forget, the City only gets 2% of the 7.4% sales tax we have here, you're complaining about paying 2% for all the services the City gives you and didn't want to give them more than 2% for a better quality of life. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: $$
on Nov 6, 2009 at 09:15 AM
For me, the city already is slated to collect the tax money for those departments, just that they have over spent in the past and cant make do now [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: $$
on Nov 6, 2009 at 09:12 AM
Also listen to all the proponents and supporters of healthcare for all, free services and so on, nothing is free, someone is paying for it through their sweat and blood and life's hard work. All the supporters of universal healthcare and free services of every kind and nature cite the example of Sweden, or Denmark , well lets see in those countries yes you have universal coverage and lot of amenities provided by the gov, HOWEVER ONE BIG DIFFERENCE IS--- EVERYONE PAYS THE HIGH TAX RATES whether you make 10K or 750K you are paying 50-60% in federal taxes, no whining, no complaining no handouts everyone pays no one gets a free ride at the expense of others. I am all for all these things if everyone steps up and coughs up their part of the high taxes!!!! we need to get off the entitlement mentality 47% of our fellow country men and women pay no Federal taxes.Oh and the nation is broke, no surprise!!! same with the city!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: $$
on Nov 6, 2009 at 09:06 AM
I agree with part of what you said Sally, re. why should only some of the people pay for the tax increase, the other part I disagree with, not all of the people in the Southern part of the city are criminals and pyromaniacs. AGreed the homes in the northern part of the city are appraised for more than some parts of the Southern Springs . If they want to tax homeowners then all should be taxed for property taxes not just home owners or home owners in a certain part of town. That would equate to "discrimination", just as the people who earn more are now targets of the witch hunt by the gov to try to take every last penny from them to make up for the gov's own shortfalls,incompetence and too much borrowing and spending.Since Jan 09 now we have over a $4 trillion debt and mounting with all the bailouts,TARPS,handouts,giveaways (auto and mortgage)at tax payers expense with no accountability.and now the healthcare bill to tax people who earn more than 250k or over a million to pay for it. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Sally
Location: Black Forest
on Nov 5, 2009 at 09:44 PM
My big question was "why should the CALM and LAW ABIDING folks in the northern part of the Springs take the brunt of this tax increase?" Our homes are worth much more than the homes in the southern part of the city. Why should we provide free police and fire services to people who live in appartments and hovels -- they pay low or no taxes yet they seem to be the ones commiting all the crimes and starting all the fires! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: me
on Nov 5, 2009 at 08:54 PM
Hello people how can you justify not giving money to the departments that keep us safe and provide us with parks and transit. Dispicable. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Bring it Back
Location: Colo Springs
on Nov 5, 2009 at 08:25 PM
BRING BACK 1A!!, Sheriff Maketa had the perfect solution and maybe now the city will think twice before stabbing him in the back. To all you city employees, you should have backed it when you had the chance, but you didnt, and now you are left with nothing. Go to your city leaders and beg them to bring it back and this time support it. You will all have your jobs along with the money being spread EVENLY through all areas. oh yeah and it wont just tax the home owners, makes sense doesnt it? BRING BACK 1A!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: What's the deal
Location: Colorad Springs
on Nov 5, 2009 at 04:48 PM
I am so glad that 2c did not pass and 300 did. The argument over the stormwater enterprise not being phased out now is plain stupid. We voted to get rid of it and the city still wants to steal our money. They wonder why no one trusts city government? They need to learn how to budget. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: christi
Location: COS
on Nov 5, 2009 at 04:34 PM
Another way we can have more money given to our police and firefighters and schools is through sales taxes. Stop shopping on ebay and support your local business that collect sales taxes that support our city. every little bit helps. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: $$
on Nov 5, 2009 at 04:06 PM
not questioning the morality or ethics or the work done by city employees, just the facts how can you go broke after collecting the amounts collected in taxes. MISMANAGEMENT is one word that comes to mind,be an extra out there then abuse of power and position?corruption?incompetence on the part of the city gov comes to mind. and " a fellow citizen" no problem for paying for the services, trash, water, electricity, phones, those are all paid by individuals/businesses who subscribe for those services, and yes even those rates go up. But the example of say for example home property taxes going up, when a lot of people are finding it hard to even make their mortgage payments, then why try to tax the people even more, even 40 dollars a month these days makes a difference, 40$ could equate to 4 meals . and this city tax would have been above and beyond what has been shoved and is being shoved and will be shoved down the tax payers throats by the gov. they should have put all those on ballot [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Richard
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 5, 2009 at 03:17 PM
Shouldnt be an issue to pay taxes, the issue should be if our city spends the money with the best interest of the tax payers. After the country started its downward economic spiral our city comes out and says we dont have enough money to run the city. So what Councilwoman Jan Martin? Wake up one morning to find out this was the case? Councilwoman Martin says she plans on leading us down a road to cut or do away with services as the voters are wishing to do. No Ms. Martin we as voters are asking you to do you job before it became a crisis. Now you have lost our trust. And for Doug Bruce, has anyone noticed he is all for not paying taxes but has not once came up with a solution for how we are to run a city without them. So Mr. Bruce can tear up all the city taxes or storm water fee bills he want but he still is part of the problem in this city not the solution. Cutting services? So when I needed the police twice in 15 years is it going to go from no response to never responding? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: A fellow citizen
on Nov 5, 2009 at 01:42 PM
People are talking on this blog as if City employees have been getting raises and bonuses for the past several years. That's a bunch of BS, I haven't gotten a raise in years and don't get any bonus. What I do get it to pick up the work load of fellow workers who've been laid off, and am glad to do so. As for what the City spends it's $$$ on, it's public record, so don't cry and say the City spends all your money and you have no idea what it was on. Don't forget, the City employee's are tax payers to, we pay just as much money in taxes as you. We've cut back, laid off, downsized, done more with less and it will only get worse. I'm just thankful to have a job as my S.O. was laid off. We all live here. Some of us see and know how vital the City services are to have, others just look at saving a buck here and there. I have no problem paying for the services I want: whether it be trash, water, electricity, phone, open parks, etc... [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: HAYDEN
Location: CS
on Nov 5, 2009 at 12:47 PM
C TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION WHY THIS CITY KEEPS ELECTING THE SAME PEOPLE TO THOSE POSITIONS IT BECAUSE IN THIS COUNTY REPUBICANS ARE TRAINED TO ELECT REPUBICANS AND BLAME OTHERS . [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: DUH
Location: COS
on Nov 5, 2009 at 09:32 AM
You really think the city leaders are going to learn a lesson......NO. They'll find a way to pass the buck onto us. Regardless 2c passed or not we'll all end up paying for the shortfall, now we'll have more cops and firefighters umemployed, so in the long run you and I will pay for that too. Yes the city leaders are terrible but you really think its hurts them to see these people unemployed......hmmmm NO, becasue the some of the people who voted no on 2c were the ones who voted these "leaders" into office. Good job. with crime going up and people doing what they gotta do to make ends meet and the population going up every year why not have less cops, sounds like a good idea to me. Like jeff said gotta pay to play!!!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Simple Simon
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 5, 2009 at 07:34 AM
This would be a good time to increase the use of volunteers, have more minor felons work off their debt to society doing public works and even having those who are drawing unemployment work a day or two a week for the city. I voted against the property tax hikes but would gladly vote for a local gas tax if all the revenue went to fund public transit. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Nick
Location: Colo. Spgs.
on Nov 4, 2009 at 11:29 PM
I'm glad they each failed to pass. Expenses going up, jobs going away, why would 'leadership' expect us to sign up for additional expense. Things look pretty grim for us as a Nation. Obamas approval keeps going down and people are struggling to keep food on the table. G20 and G8, Nation States of the Middle East as well as Russia and China even our Japanese buddies all want to move away from the Dollar. Nothing good will come from the immense debt and loss of life, loss of world renown and geopolitical positioning....but Obama has a nice new Nobel Peace Prize. State/Cities all across the country are going broke... what will you do to improve the tent cities we may all be moving to before too long. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: M
Location: springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Renters do end up paying for property taxes. The landlords don't foot the bill. Everyone would of ended up paying. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: jeff
Location: florissant
on Nov 4, 2009 at 06:21 PM
You'll need to be de-Bruced. Got to pay to play. You live there, do the up keep or watch the place look like DB's rentals. crr dip s... [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: C
Location: COLORADO SPRINGS
on Nov 4, 2009 at 06:13 PM
If we don't like how our current government, council, mayor and so forth are running things, why do people keep voting the same people and the same type of individuals into office? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Enuftaxes
Location: falcon
on Nov 4, 2009 at 05:50 PM
The reason property owners voted NO, is because taxing property owners is unfair. Why not have a sales tax instead? That way, everyone pays equally for the benefits they receive. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Edith
Location: 80917
on Nov 4, 2009 at 05:25 PM
This is a rich city with high taxes already. As long as the city government can pass new taxes, they will never curtail expenses. Just as citizens must be careful to live within our currently reduced incomes, government must also reduce - first salaries and employee perks and benefits. Services, such as police, fire, etc., is alwayed as leverage to scare the public. The public is savvy to those tactics. This city dropped to a new low with the use of young children and threats to cut special programs. CUT YOUR OWN SALARIES FIRST. That's what most of your citizens are having to do. We don't have extra money for 3-digit salaries when ours have been cut in half. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: $$
on Nov 4, 2009 at 04:52 PM
contd.. several hundred billion $ more again for saving mortgages and the cash for clunkers and now it comes out none of these has/have worked the way they were supposed to,instead the programs are rife with corruption (stimulus funds being mis directed by politicians for their own pet projects and pay offs) jobs created? where? mortgages still going at a high rate for foreclosures and the list goes on. Had the Gov. put these measures on the ballots for Americans to vote, NONE would have passed. They should be transparent as promised and put the healthcare bill and the climate bill on the ballot, let the people read and digest and let them vote!!! lets start by cutting executive pay ermmm city pay for the city leaders, the benefits and do a complete audit of finances. And it is truly sad when Sad posts his/her misinformed comment. If you add up all the proposed bills and taxes from the federal, state and local govs. one would be paying out more than 60% of income in taxes!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Edwin
Location: Briargate
on Nov 4, 2009 at 04:46 PM
I am one of those folks that am glad that 300 and the tax increase were handled appropriately and intelligently by the majority of voters. I have no problem with a tax increase but our city council and politicians show very little or no regard to our money when it comes to spending it appropriately. My vote is a direct reflection of how little trust I have in them and their wasteful spending. The stormwater enterprise was an unlawful payment to begin with and if the taxpaypers took the time to read the governance for it, they would be just as appalled as I am. I know its a tight economy and everyone is shortening their purse strings, but nice parks, our police officers and firefighters are folks that we need. But a general tax, where some go's to them and some go's else where .. that I cant approve ... not if its my money. I need to know where its going and that once we reach an appropriate resolution, the tax will go away and not just be redirected at some idiots discretion. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: $$
on Nov 4, 2009 at 04:45 PM
The vote NO appears to be the voice of the majority of people that are sick and tired of being made the scape goats for the failure of government. People who work hard, pay their dues, pay their taxes being forced to pay up more because their local leaders failed to manage their tax dollars. If this was a bank, investment firm, hedge fund or anything other business, all the officers of those businesses or rather corporations would be rebuked by congress and tossed in jail for fraud and a million other felonies. Can we do that with our elected officials? Mismanagement of public funds, wow what a crime .. The disease is systemic through all levels of government, be it local-- city,county, state, federal look at the way the government has been throwing away tax payers dollars from TARP 1 & 2, bailouts for the auto industry (now the CBO and GAO are saying that 80 bil$ is a total loss), the bailouts of a trillion $ to Fannie/Freddie,CONTD. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: L
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
on Nov 4, 2009 at 04:43 PM
So glad 2C did not pass. Everyone always wants the homeowners to pay for everything. But yet, renters would reap the benefits too. It's just plain not fair. I'm getting laid off, going on unemployment, where's the money supposed to come from? Not overseas where my job is going. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: PAUL
Location: COLORADO SPRINGS
on Nov 4, 2009 at 04:30 PM
I BELIEVE THE VOTERS WERE TIRED OF BEING THREATENED OVER THE 2C VOTE. EVERYONES UNDERSTANDS CUT BACKS. I HAVE TO STAY WITHIN MY BUDGET, STAY WITHIN YOURS! I AM SURE THIS IS THE LAST ONE THAT THJIS COUNCIL WILL HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: joedirt
Location: colorado springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 04:30 PM
If the city would balance the budget better, they would not have to attempt a property tax hike. If they can fork out millions to keep the USOC, then they can figure out what to do for the budget. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: el
Location: Co Spgs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 04:27 PM
I haven't gotten a raise in three years, have a kid in college, but have seen all my bills jump. There is no extra money. It isn't selfish, it's living on a budget, stupid. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: f
Location: sw
on Nov 4, 2009 at 04:24 PM
The people have spoken and it is an insult to the voters in this community to accuse them of pandering to any organization That being said. Our civic leaders and city government has become a BLOATED COW> feeding on the people and using SCARE tactics to continue to feed on the people who trusted them in the 1st place. Remeber growth never pays for itself anywher in the world. The citizens end up footing the bill while the BLOATED COW gets fatter. Enough -0- Break this mess up. Make coloraro springs into several suburbs and let each "city" decide for itself. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Sad
Location: Westside, Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 03:44 PM
Funny, I am guessing the majority of the "NO" voters come from the northside of town (Briarhate) and support Focus on Your Family. These people really do work in mystery ways. Just like god (she really is a funny thing)! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: T
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 03:15 PM
OK, for all of you who say all police officers do is pull people over you are idiots! The trafic division pulls people over, patrol helps those involved in domestic violence, burglary, theft, violent crime, etc. detectives figure out who is preying on our children, who committed the burglary, murder, rape, etc. and resolves the crimes. The city is poorly run, the public doesn't support our police and fire who would give their lives for us. Yes, we will reap what we sow. It will get scary before it gets better. I hope those who voted no on 2C are ready to accept the consequences that may come from their actions. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Bill
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 02:07 PM
First off I never depend on the cops to show up on time anywhere. They are too busy, waiting for speeders on Powers Blvd, Interquest parkway etc. Second, if someone breaks into my house, they better want it real bad. I am shooting until I run out of bullets. Lastly to all the cops and firefighters. Take the pay cut like public sector has had to do for the last five years, and keep your job. The council lives in this city too. They will reap what the sow. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Mark
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 01:46 PM
After the last time Colorado Springs turned down a tax hike a year ago or so for 1A, the city closed the bathrooms at city parks. That is just plain playing politics. "Make the people feel the pain. That will teach them to not allow higher taxes". Well I'd like to know what the city plans to close now to make the people feel the pain. The city should step up and do its job. That is to do the greatest good for the citizens of Colorado Springs with the resources they have. They're job is not to make sure the electorate feels the pain because we do not want higher taxes. I didn't get a raise last year. Lost my 401k matching funds. The recession has hurt everyone. I have had to make hard decisions in my financial world. But I did not cut out my kid's activities. I cut mine. The city should make the cuts that least affect the citizens. You are public servants. Not masters. Do your job! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Melissa
Location: Colorado springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 01:20 PM
Okay so everyone is complaing because a lot of people voted NO. Well lets c u pay very high on ur tags 4 ur car, when u ride the bus u pay. Where does all of our money goes for our tags. I mean come on people Y do they not share how the budget is spend. I mean come on luncheons, trips for the big people, then for supplies come on I bet you spend buy file cabinets for department and another department has 5 in storage. Or spend 30 for an item that you could go to a different company and pay 5 dollars for the same item. HELLO oh no we don't think like that do we. What about bonus and raises you all get. ohh wait shh dont publish that. You want to scare our police and fire our parks and fun places to go come on plz give me a break. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Ralph
Location: city
on Nov 4, 2009 at 01:17 PM
The best way for the city to get more money is to end the tax exemption status of the religious organizations. Whoever thought it would be good idea to invite all those blood sucking organizations to this town should be flogged. They pay no property tax, they pay little if any payroll tax, they pay minimal sales tax, yet they get all the same services from the city. I'm tired of subsidizing their way - Why should FOTF and the other fanatical organizations get a free ride? END THE PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT NOW!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Robert
Location: Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 01:16 PM
My Parks are paid by my ridicules HOA Fees :-) [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Ken
on Nov 4, 2009 at 01:06 PM
In response to Springy: 100% of the proposed tax increase would be spent here in the city. If you really want to reduce our national debt, you should stop going to Walmart and stop driving your car. 2C did not involve any borrowing of funds, and hence there would no be any increase to our national debt. Your logic doesn't pass the common sense test. I suggest you go back to school, since you obviously were absent during economics class. (And for the record: the folks who refuse to pay their share of the taxes are ALWAYS the loudest whiners). [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Earl
Location: Colo SPgs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Last year, I lost my job, and had to take a 22% pay cut to find work. That's a good bit more than the city, and I am surviving. Not happily, but surviving. Maybe the City should make the next Dave Ramsey appearance. The man is smart....... [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: mr x
Location: spgs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 12:33 PM
now that the people have spoken, we will really see how our city council works. afterall,they will ALL be voted out the next time "WE THE PEOPLE" vote. as far as all the scare tactics and lying and corruption within the city goverment we can now say good riddanance to you. i was raised with an outhouse and beans and bread and i've come a long way. if need be i could live that way again and survive. So mr. BIG govt,,,bring it on. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Mike
Location: Briargate
on Nov 4, 2009 at 12:32 PM
My family and I just moved to Colorado Springs and are preparing to buy a home. But maybe not. It appears that the citizens of this area lack foresight and only desire the immediate gratification of low taxes. I can tell you that the schools, fire, and police are already at a lower standard than my previous residence. We moved here because of the training opportunities for our child at the Olympic Training Center. I think I will call the realtor and tell her that we are just going to rent. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Tracy
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 12:20 PM
maybe the city should have to make pay cuts or stop wasteful spending. we are all already struggling to make ends meet.With the cost of living going up but not pay its not right to take more from the people who already can't heat there homes. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Evan
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 12:04 PM
I was reading the post by Mike at 09:49 and I have been saying the same thing. Taxing one group of people is wrong, all should be taxed. My property taxes are the 2nd highest in the city, so an increase in property taxes was not receiving my support. What the city should do is put a sales tax of food. It does not have to be the full 7.4%, but enough to help out the poor decision in the city budget. This way everyone gets taxed not just a certain group. Sure people will have less money to spend, but food clothing and housing is normally the first items on everyone's budget. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: tom
Location: colorado springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Maybe they can cut out the USOC funding and save $50M over the next few years - no, that won't happen. How about laying off the high paid people like the City Manager - we could keep a couple of cops in trade. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Cheryl
Location: El Paso County
on Nov 4, 2009 at 11:41 AM
To all the people saying boohoo to no tax increase. Had our officials not mismanaged the funds already had, they would not be short. They gave more than that away to USOC. Why aren't other parts of the country supporting this outfit. Is it not the UNITED STATES Olympic Committee? Why is it JUST up to Colorado Springs? Did you not hear that right away they want to buy land in Aspen? How is that using funds wisely? There are stipulations on that land before usage. They have been irresponsible and THAT is why they did not get more money. The crazy spending has GOT to stop. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: native
on Nov 4, 2009 at 11:38 AM
Yes a lesson to the leader but you and I are going to be the ones that have to pay for it. The economy is down, crime is up and you voted for less police and fire......... GOOD JOB!!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Springy
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Nothing is free. I have to budget and deny myself things if I want to pay all my bills. If I cannot, I must eliminate some things in my life. We don't whine about services being cut. We object to the city not budgeting better. And frankly, we are still in a severe debt crisis. I'd like all those who think 2C was a good idea and who think 300 was a bad idea to go to this link: http://www.usdebtclock.org/ We have nearly 106 Trillion in unfunded liabilities (debt). And if you all think that this debt and the interest on all our loans will not bankrupt and destroy our country... just stare at the numbers of this clock and also place your curser over each area. You will be astonished at the looming crisis coming. Wake up. This city will be affected further by our Federalizing growing numbers of our major industries. Add HC and Cap & Trade... you all won't have a spare thin dime to spend on anything. This threat of vital services being cut is always used each time they want more $. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: heidi
Location: colorado springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 11:26 AM
What amazes me is how many people truly don't understand what our "money as debt" system actually is. May as well figure out how to operate the city on much lower revenue. We need to prepare for the bigger reality about to face us with the federal government and the collapsing dollar. Society is about to have their sippee cups removed from their clutched hands and pacifers ripped out of their mouths. It's time to realize government at any level is not to be viewed as some sort of parent. The government,especially the Federal- is an addict. Everything has dissolved into these warped codependent dysfunctional relationships. If you had a family member addicted to crack would you continue to codependently give that addict your money? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: J
Location: El Paso County
on Nov 4, 2009 at 11:19 AM
Has anyone stopped to look at the budget last year? Does anyone know the budget shortfall from last year? I did some research. The best I can tell from the county clerk website, the budget was reduced in February because they did not have enough funding. Do you know what the reduction was? Just a bit over $12,000. Sorry, but that hardley warrents 2c Do you know how much money is spent on "Police Special Events" $150,000 a year. I appreciate the law enforcement, but when we are talking about cutting their budget we are talking about cutting their "special event" budget, which has no effect on our safety as a community. I understand that the "General Fund" pays for our law enforcement, but if you look at budget cuts it specifically excludes Fire and Law enforcement. Got to read that fine print! I think we could all be better citizens by being informed, including me. If anyone has done their research and reads the budget differently I would love to have an informed converstaion. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: marc
Location: mt shadows
on Nov 4, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Lets see, this yrs tax statement- a 50% property tax increase. This year asking for more? Im so fed up with every year getting wacked by a new increase in fees. So glad in went down in flames. Its time to budget. I do, so should our government. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Will
Location: COS
on Nov 4, 2009 at 11:05 AM
The City seemed ok with giving USOC $35 Million WITHOUT asking the tax payer. How does the USOC contribute to my every day life?...It gets my taxes and I get basicly no service and no say in giving those taxes to them. Then we are asked to increase taxes for city services and the City is surprised when the answer is NO? This is nothing but a shell game being played out by City Government. A USOC Ballot measure would have failed and the City knew it but thought scare tactics could draw a YES on 2C. Think again Mr. Mayor and Company, we aren't as dumb as you think. Maybe smart enough to vote you out of office! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Nicole
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Income is down for many. If I have had to adjust what I spend on my family, (for example feeding my kids bologna instead of steak) why can't the government do the same? My family isn't starving. They aren't living high on the hog, but we're getting by. The city must do the same. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Ralph
Location: Security
on Nov 4, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Thank you Mike for your accurate comment. No one wants to see anyone lose their job. But, I agree the taxes for our city's services needs to be fair and everyone who lives here needs to pay. I have always thought apartment owners should pay taxes on every unit they have for rent; not just on their building as a whole. I also think the time has come for everyone, including our military, pay their now exempted taxes on their automobile tags. Everyone needs to pay for what it costs to run our cities and states. EVERYONE needs to step up to the plate and pay. No more "freebies" Maybe, increasing our sales tax is the answer, then everyone living in our fine city will pay for the kind of services we need and should have. And I agree, maybe our top city officials, need to seriously look at taking a reduction in their pay. It always seems to be that the little guy gets the squeese on giving up their salaries and benefits. Let's be fair Colorado Springs and have everyone living here pay!!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: bob
Location: c/s
on Nov 4, 2009 at 10:56 AM
This city received $1,333,988,000 from Fed stimulus. $12mil for a transit station, $3mil for 16 new buses,guess the city will be pocketing this money. $350,000 for playground renovation. Cottonwood rec. center $5,200,000, and they think I want to pay more taxes. http://www.stimuluswatch.org/project/by_city/Colorado%20Springs/CO [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: renee
Location: colorado springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 10:47 AM
as a new senior forced into retirement by my husband and I both losing jobs,I can say that I could not afford even the slightest increase in taxes.I have worked hard all my life to buy my house and now to just TO maintain it is a challange. Lets each of us challenge this city and each other to promote more volenteerism with our parks to clean up one day a month. I live on 1000.00 a month and would be happy to share my tips with city council.I see waste and abuse with city workers on a daily basis. Lets not pick on fireman and police. Thers is so much more to be cut, yes utilities stop wasting money on advertising. where are we going to get them These are rough times lets use our heads with our wonderful city,and work with what we have [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: j
Location: cs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 10:41 AM
you want to know how we can keep the parks?? first.. lazy ghetts.. CLEAN UP AFER YOUR SELFS.. when i go to the a park.. there is always other people's trash all over(water bottles, soda cans, fast food wrapers, dirty diapers, pet droppings) .. second.. teach your snot nosed kids not to vandalize our parks.. just a few weeks ago.. i was at the park closer to my house.. cleaning off swear words.. and Brittany is a **** off the swings with diaper wipes so my 8 year old could swing and not get marker all over him, and worse read that stuff.. i am so tired of going to the park and seeing the playground equipment damaged , destroyed, or written all over.. im not saying watch you kids 24/7.. oh wait maybe some of all should!! but teach them respect!! and how does this let us keep our parks?? the city does not have to hire someone to come clean up . repair or use money to replace damaged equipment.. that well leave plenty of money to keep our parks.. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: marc
on Nov 4, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Let see 50% increase last year on my property tax. You(the city) want more? Shame on the city for not balancing their budget. I was getting ready to move from CS based on the outlandish taxes!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Jason
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Furthermore, do the people who voted no for 2C realize the city DOES NOT have the same amount of tax revenue coming in as it did last year? All you people think the government has a fixed income, well news flash. Their revenue decreases when citizens don't buy thing (sales taxes). This is a slow economy!!! However, our city has grown in population. How do you expect the city to serve more people with less money????????? I really can't believe our citizens. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: So Sad
Location: CS/CO
on Nov 4, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Never fails to amaze me how people react when it affects the wealthy. Blacks, hispanics and other minority groups are used to no response from the police & other so-called safety groups that would rather see death than go into the poorer sections. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Mike
Location: COS
on Nov 4, 2009 at 09:49 AM
I don't see people trying to destory the city, I see people saying why tax just home owners when everyone gets the benifits of the services that don't pay one cent. Example, apartment complexs and other who rent wont see thier taxes go up. It sucks people will lose jobs, alot of good people at that but thier has to be a way to tax all the people who will use these services. Lets not forget at the HIGH PAID city leaders we have making all that money, you don't see them offering to take a reduced pay, i.e. City Manager, Police Chief ect. The City needs to look at all ways to keep these services and not just the Home owners. I agree that the taxes need to be done but not just for some and not all who at some point will have to use the services that they are looking to cut. Tim, i see where you are coming from but look at where some of us are coming from. We need our parks and Rec. Centers but lets hit evrybody. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Jeremy
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 09:35 AM
A victory for Colorado Springs and perhaps a lesson to irresponsible leaders. One of the many lessons: DO NOT BRIBE THE USOC WITH MILLIONS AND THEN CLAIM TO NEED MILLIONS! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Jason
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Do the people who voted no on 2C and yes for 300 hope that if their house gets burglarized a police officer will respond to their 911 call? Shame on you for doing this to our city. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Georgia
Location: Fremont
on Nov 4, 2009 at 09:15 AM
Maybe voting down 2c is a eye opener for the city. But I wonder if they will ever get it. Instead of lining their own pockets, maybe they should take pay cuts and take one for the team, so to speak just like they expect everyone else to do. most people can't afford more taxes on there homes even in purchases, watch out or you'll become another New Jersey.... [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Eric
Location: C/S
on Nov 4, 2009 at 09:15 AM
Tim you pay for the USOC then so the city can get back the millions of dollors to balance the buget. Then go buy a house so you can pay more property tax. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Alison
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 09:13 AM
This is a selfish and shortsighted outcome from the voters. Douglas Bruce is a maniac and would be happy to see this city fail. I am a libertarian, yet I understand that the people most in need are the ones truly hurt by more budget cuts. The quality of life in this city is steadily declining. Wake up! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Fed Up
Location: CS/CO
on Nov 4, 2009 at 09:12 AM
Tim, I'm about SICK of you! You are the most negative, asanine individual I've EVER run across. You ALWAYS have something negative to say, NEVER anything positive. Get a life dude!!!! Tax payers are tired of being taxed to death. I'm glad this stinking city won't get more of our hard earned money to MISmanage! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Jeanie
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 08:57 AM
For those of you who oppose tax increases and vote against them...make sure you aren't the same people who b&tch when programs and services get CUT such as support for essential services: police and fire departments, as well as our parks, our community centers, and all the things our citizens expect the city to provide! Hopefully you aren't whining about the $50 a year (approx $4 a month) storm water fees that homeowners pay... Seriously! If you make as little as $20k/year NET, that is only .0025 of your income! Get a cup of hush, pay the tiny fee and ask yourself what YOU can do for your city to keep your quality of life at a great level! If you're not happy here and can't afford these nominal tax increases, you're always free to move somewhere else that you can afford to live at! Keep following Doug Bruce's lead and the idiotic TABOR theory and we will end up JUST LIKE CALIFORNIA! Wake up people! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Tim
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 08:46 AM
well, congratulations to everyone who destroyed this city. Say goodbye to the parks, including all the pools and rec centers. Say goodbye to public transportation systems that many people need. Also, there will be many good people who lose their jobs in the coming weeks because people didn't want to pay taxes. It won't be the people sitting in their offices making the huge salaries getting laid off either. It's going to be the average worker who needs their job that is going to be hurt. I don't like paying them either, but it's something that needs to be done. The people who voted this down will be the first ones to complain when this town starts going down and they'll have no one to blame but themselves. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: A
Location: CS
on Nov 4, 2009 at 08:11 AM
They have enough money, the problem is that they manage the money badly. They waste the money. If you give them more money all you do is encourage them to waste even more. And yes, all the police does is pulling people over instead going after Robbers. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: D
Location: Fountain
on Nov 4, 2009 at 08:07 AM
Welcome to California Springs. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: a long time citizen
Location: colorado springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 07:48 AM
Businesses all over the country, including the one I work for, have enacted 10 % pay cuts to get through these trying times. Take one for the team city employees to avoid layoffs! Most of the rest of the country has!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Sonny Wilson
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 07:42 AM
I am glad 2c has failed. The police do very little for the city and they get paid way too much.The police are more busy pulling people over and writing tickets for no reason and it is unacceptable,the police should be catching the burglars, robbers,etc.. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: danny
Location: colorado springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 07:37 AM
GOOD JOB VOTERS ! now,let's hold the city council responsible ! SPEND OUR MONEY WISELY ! Also, doug bruce is NOT the villian. he gets one vote. He has just given us the avenue to stop wasteful spending. name calling does no good. fix the problems, and this city is and will continue to be a great place to live. BUT,,,,WE NEED A NEW CITY COUNCIL,,,at least 6 members need to be replaced ! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: bob
Location: CO
on Nov 4, 2009 at 07:29 AM
and this is why democracy will fail.... the people will not vote to tax themselves.... [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: fire wife
Location: co springs, co
on Nov 4, 2009 at 07:20 AM
to those of tyou that think that YOU pay forthe firefighters food,tv, and such maybe YOU should know what you are talking about! THe firefighters themselves all pitch in to pay for those things not you! So get your facts right before you start spouting stuff. As a firefighters wife I actually know these things because a pay for it not you! And as to them "sleeping while you pay when you need help at 2 am you tell me if you are glad you paid them to be there to save you or some one you love. How quickly we forget the times like castle west where if they hadn't all been paid to be there to saveyou the tax payers lives there would have been a lot more death because of delayed response time! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Will the city do the right thing?
Location: Old Farm
on Nov 4, 2009 at 07:14 AM
To those who feel doom and gloom. Smile. The city has not been trashed. It has been told that the city should live on a budget with priorities. The primary job is to provide Police and Fire protection. Do that under the current circumstances and cut out the unnecessary expenses. COS utilities should quit advertising, they have the customers. If the city needs funds to run the parks, increase sales tax so that everyone pays, not just homeowners. Cut bonuses paid to Memorial Hosp., the utilities, and city employees. If the employees leave, so be it. Find others. If citizens want to leave, we don't need you here. We need people who know how to live within their means and will demand the city (and county) do the same. I won't complain. I celebrate this wonderful opportunity to regain control of our city and county government and pull it back from the 'tax and spend' mentality. What an opportunity for the city and county to do the RIGHT thing, not the easy, but RIGHT thing. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Bill from Boston
Location: El Paso County
on Nov 4, 2009 at 07:14 AM
Well, the citizens have spoken and I support both outcomes. Boy, is Bruce hated or what? Do you think he just does this to aggravate people? He's not perfect yet he's willing to stand up to government for what he believes. SO, in closing, IF the city council DOES NOT find other ways of cutting the budget and DOES LAY OFF police, firemen and critical city employees, I pray that the fine citizens of CS would be out there in droves, in front of city hall, protesting this stupid act, day after day!! They're not stupid...they know exactly how to get thru this crunch without these layoffs. OH, maybe they have to take pay cuts temporarily?? AND, for those who think these votes were a travesty and we'll have no cops, firemen, etc., the city has you just where they want you!! Stop whining and get going...show the city you WILL NOT tolerate their manipulations any more!! AND, I guess if you move, you move...good luck!! p.s. ANY TAX INCREASE is a TAX INCREASE...HELLO!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: MB
Location: Briargate
on Nov 4, 2009 at 07:02 AM
The bottomline is that I am tired of a leadership that doesn't get it. I might have voted for 2c if I saw the city show some understanding that most citizens don't care what someone in another city is getting paid and that a fee is a tax. Right now most are making less and that should include our government and quasi government employees. There seems to be no effort in fiscal leadership. We are simply told by the council, mayor and city manager that they need more money. As a business owner, I would like more money but since I don't have it I have to cut wages, including mine, to make sure others still have a job, even if it means we work twice as hard for half as much. I do it because I know at some point the economy will allow me to prosper if I accept these challenges and do my best now. Read the mayors statement today, he still doesn't get that their management (or lack of) and endless bad decisions have created mistrust and are responsible for the vote going the way it did. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Jason
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 06:41 AM
I am a city employee that is on the RIF(reduction in force) due to the 2c failing. This shows that voters are angry at government, but the people who are being punished by the vote are not the people responsible for bad financial decisions. What a way to prove a point! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: HAYDEN
Location: CS
on Nov 4, 2009 at 06:37 AM
THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN !!!!!!!! SO I SAY TO THE VOTERS DON,T COMPLAIN ,JUST SHUT UP AND DON'T COMPLAIN. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: ugetwhatupayfor
Location: c springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 06:28 AM
congratulations to all you forward thinking people. have you seen what California did to itself. You blame the government "big spenders" while claiming to be the government. Do those splinters in your hiney hurt? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Kelly
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 06:23 AM
With 2C not passing I think this should send a message to our city officials. Colorado Springs is tired of the city sales tax and other funds being misused. Every time we impement a new program such as RTA the city goes out and purchase high dollar vehicles and they give promotions and raises. That is not what the taxes are for. I am not sure how may folks looked at the wages that the city is paying out but it made me vote no. START USING THE MONIES WE HAVE IN HTE RIGHT WAY AND THEN MAYBE FOLKS WILL VOTE FOR YOUR TAXES. City coucil also needs to quit voting for rate hikes on utilties. many people in cColorado Springs are with out jobs and can not get any help. Why would we vote a tax hike. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Sherry
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 06:11 AM
The city should listen to the residents when they are against all the money being given to the olympic committee. That money could be used for what the city really needs, the police and fire department. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Mac
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 05:53 AM
Earlier this year, our utilities increased in price because of higher operating costs (so we were told). As soon as the City approved the rate hikes, CS Utilities pocketed sizable bonuses. It is this sort of example that citizens are no longer trusting of their public officials. Doesn't the proceeds of lottery sales fund parks and recreation entities? Yet, this need was part of 2C. I believe government at all levels has gone 'unchecked' for too long. Voting down 2C and passing 300 tells me that I am not alone. Good day, friends. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Jim
Location: Indianapolis, IN
on Nov 4, 2009 at 05:42 AM
I do not live in Colorado Springs but I got a great laugh from the post by Ignorance is Bliss stating that the city was going to lose their "brightest and best policemen/women and firefighters". In this economy they have nowhere to go and there are plenty of people who would go their jobs for 2/3 of their pay. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Joe
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 05:39 AM
The fire department can save a lot of money if they quit living in antiquated times. The days of paying a firemen to sleep there when everybody has transportation is ludicrous.We pay for there meals and TV. My job does not do that Why should theirs? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Roland
Location: in the state of shock
on Nov 4, 2009 at 05:19 AM
thank all of you citizens that voted for 2C and shame on all of you that blindly followed the village idiot!!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: And Another Mike
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 03:46 AM
Back in 2001, we passed a .4% city sales tax increase to fund public safety which I assume is police and fire departments. There were many prosperous years since then. Where did all that money go? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: AJ
Location: COS
on Nov 4, 2009 at 02:56 AM
When Obama signs the Copenhagen Treaty, it's all over, anyway. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Dan
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 01:53 AM
Unfortunantly the City uses first responders as a scare tactic. Are they the only employees that the City has? Instead of cutting Police and Firefighters position, they should look at the high wages they are paying Directors, Managers, Supervisors, IT personnel etc... and the list goes on. I'm sure there are other areas that can be cut due to the economic strain. I'm disappointed that the City use's these tactics in order to try and persuade voters opinions. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Another Mike
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 4, 2009 at 12:13 AM
The shame of the entire 2C effort is that it took absolutely no consideration in asking for a short-term fix instead opting to levy a tax burden on homeowners and businesses forever. What made it so difficult to offer a plan that filled a short-term need? Nothing. Instead, as always, a plan was adopted that led us down the all or nothing trail and people are tired of it – especially considering the current state of the economy. It was doomed from the beginning because government fails to understand that they have a responsibility to be fiscally prudent during all economic cycles. 2C was another great example of how government is twice removed from yesterday. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: SD
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 11:49 PM
Amen Stephanie! We've spoken, now let's concentrate on what's going to happen next. Full disclosure! Bring in an independent accounting firm, and get it together. You asked for too much too soon, and this is the outcome. I'm not against taxation by any means, but let's be REALISTIC and find a way to solve the problem. I'm tired of hearing (from reputable sources) about dissipative spending, such as a bottled water fund for police (Colorado Springs has some of the best tap water in the country btw), and then having to defend myself to acquaintances who are city employees. Let's move on! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: caigmore
Location: colorado springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 11:16 PM
Now I can only regretfully hope that the city government goes through with all of the threats of closures, and cuts to employees and public services so that the residence will realize how good things were and could of been with a small tax. They will get what they voted for. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: tired
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 11:14 PM
Can't believe the guy who is building roads would compare their pay cut to the police in our city. Bet nobody points a gun, grabs a knife and threatens you with it countless times a year. You don't like the way the city is spending money? Easy. Vote them out! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Mike Mancusi
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 10:57 PM
A percentage is a percentage . . . whether a Mill Levy on property valuation, or a sale tax percentage on local purchases. With increasing population and housing growth, Property Tax and Sales Tax revenues would go up. However, the problem is that sales tax revenues have dramatically gone down because of the recession. The problem with both the Sales Tax and Property Tax measures that the local government has tried to pass, is that these increases are FOREVER!! When the recession passes (and it will as with ALL Business Cycles),revenues would go dramatically up, resulting in increased government spending and a larger government! We don't want that, and that's why the majority voted NO! If the local government were smart they would have put on the ballot a 1-2 year term on either the Sales or Property Tax increase proposals. The recession WILL end and good revenues WILL return. The temporary increases would get us through the hard times until the healthy economy returns. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Doogie
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Fine, here's an idea. We can go back in time to the 1800s. Anybody who wants a service, pays for it. Anybody who doesn't, doesn't pay. But they can't change their mind---ever. You don't want parks, you can't even look at them. You don't want cops, don't ask for police service when your house is robbed. You don't want firemen, let your house burn down. I do want those services and even ones that I don't use, like the Pioneers Museum, are important to someone and that someone may be the person who is paying for the pools that my family uses. It is just like paying for our schools even if you don't have kids. Somebody out there paid for your public education, even if you didn't take advantage of it. Now it is your turn to ante up. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: cathy
Location: colorado springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Hey Mike- Some of us DO pay more. We pay in volunteer time. Hundreds of hours a year. We volunteer to people can pay less taxes; so the city can stretch their budget by paying less for full time employees. I'll assume that you contribute as much to the welfare of your community, either in dollars or your time. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: 2Taxed
Location: North End
on Nov 3, 2009 at 10:37 PM
I like the fire departments comment that response times will be slower if the measure fails...like the trucks run on money rather than diesel fuel. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: rational
Location: colorado springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 10:36 PM
d said... "Until then, I'd suggest they do the same as the teenager that has to have the latest gadet, get a job and learn to pay their own way." So what kind of job would the city get? and Paul said... "Maybe the Firemen and police can take a pay cut like I had to to keep my job..." That would work, except most of the police officers and firemen would begin looking for work elsewhere. Didn't you when you pay got cut? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: mike
Location: COS
on Nov 3, 2009 at 10:30 PM
hey anonymous...be talker anonymous... [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Stephanie
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Can you all just stop and be reasonable for 5 mins? Ok, I get it. The ecomony sucks and we are all feeling it's pinch and now was not the best time for the city to ask for more money. Either way, everyone is angry. Yes, the truth is the this city has been hurting for a while now and yes, it will get worse. Yes, our city council people are not the sharpest knives in the drawer and don't always make the wisest choices. No body wants to spend more money if they don't have to but people want the most for their money. Well, you get what what you pay for. That is the bottom line and this is called reality due to the current stated of affairs in our country. Let's ALL (meaning all citizens of Colo Sprgs) rethink this whole thing. Here's a new concept to most people. Let's spend less time complaining about the problem and looking to place blame and start being proactive and coming up with creative positive solutions to remedy the situation at hand. Citizens voiced their vote. Now get to work! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: D
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Most folks will not give money to a child that simply whines and begs till they get it, so why should we give it to a city that does the same thing? Let the city government figure out how to spend responsibly, let them figure out how not to hide taxes as fees then maybe they'll earn the right to more funding. Until then, I'd suggest they do the same as the teenager that has to have the latest gadet, get a job and learn to pay their own way. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Mike
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 10:25 PM
For those who want to pay more, nothing is stopping you from giving. Please do. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: mike
Location: COS
on Nov 3, 2009 at 10:25 PM
PS. It was about 60 dollars a year per home (.16 cents a day). Anyone who uses the excuse that they are too poor are just sad. Commerical props were more but guess what you own commerical propereties you = rich enough. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: cathy
Location: colorado springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 10:25 PM
I'm as anti-gov't/anti-tax as the next person, but I'm intelligent enough to understand that someone has to pay for the services that we DEMAND. I have a suggestion for the city council: start imposting usage fees. The next time someone calls 911 because their french fries are cold, charge them $1000. The next time someone calls to have CSPD go out and check the welfare of a relative who hasn't answered the phone for a week: no problem: $1000. When a pair of officers are called out to a domestive violence call, the at fault party should pay: $1000. Why should our first responders take a pay cut or be put even more at risk because we don't want to give up cable TV or a couple of Rockies games? Too many people were fooled by the 200% property tax increase because they got their information from street signs instead of researching it like a responsible voter. I hope that our first responders don't all decide to move anywhere else in the state where they will be respected and paid better. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Eric
Location: CS
on Nov 3, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Now the City Council has to tighten their belt like the rest of us. It's not the Individual that would pay a few dollars more but bussiness's would pay more. Some would close their shops. More unempolyment! Stormwater employees were not to be paid by the city but some were, Why? City counsel cann't abide by terms of the Program that we voted on before. No limit of time for proposed new tax. Qiut using front range towns for comparison, use the nation as comparison. No more surveys wasting our money that was entrusted to you. No more pet projects. Now is the time to run the City Budget like it was your own bank account paying the bills. Budget wisely. You, the city counsel, have given the city away with USOC just to have the logo on your letterhead. What a waste. WHY CAN'T PEOPLE DO A JOB THEY WERE HIRED FOR WITHOUT BONUS'S? I have more on the city budget but not enough room for questions about the payroll. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Paul
on Nov 3, 2009 at 10:18 PM
Maybe the Firemen and police can take a pay cut like I had to to keep my job along with my fellow worker that work for a colorado springs builder. We build the roads and homes we live in and no one is raising taxes to pay us. These are going to be hard time and things are not going to be easy. Hang in there [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: rational
Location: colorado springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Comparing the government to your family budget is ridiculous. if your expenses go up, you can get a second job, the government can't. If your expenses go down, you can save money, the government can't (thanks tabor). so what is the government to do? just deal with having fewer funds? how many people on here happy that 2c didn't pass would have voted for a sales tax increase? is it simply that you didn't want property tax to go up, that is reasonable, but i would be willing to bet a great number that voted against this, would not have approved a sales tax increase either. so the question stands, what should the city do? what gets cut, and who decides what gets cut and what doesn't? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: FedUp
Location: Colo. Spgs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 10:12 PM
That's right. It has to paid for and it should be. By EVERYONE who has access and who benefits, not just property owners. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Anonymous
on Nov 3, 2009 at 10:06 PM
Mike - another whiner. This isn't about being a poor property owner. This is about everybody paying their dues to support services. For your information I have owned this home for 27 years..never used the fire department and called the cops once. But that's beside the point. If people want the services they can all pay for them AND they can let the city know that they are tired of being blackmailed and for them to cut their budgets elsewhere. What's more pathetic that they do it, is the fact that people are so ready to let them get away with it. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Sick of Bruce
Location: COS
on Nov 3, 2009 at 10:00 PM
To Thomas, Joey, Tommy, NowTimeForChange, Jim, and all those out there who think this is a great victory for the taxpayers. WAKE UP!!!!! The vast majority of the public has been brainwashed by Doug Bruce and his ilk. If you want goods and services, you need to pay for them. There is a trade off - goods and services = money. While I do agree that a sales tax would likely have been a better way to go - more people bear the brunt of the support, the anti-tax sentiment just disgusts me and makes me wonder how brain dead our general public is, and how low we will have to go before people figure this out. It's pretty simple math 1 1 does = 2. Doug Bruce trashed Calif. and then came to Colorado to do the same. He is succeeding. WAKE UP PEOPLE! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: randy
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:53 PM
I am not happy that the parks may not be green and that the fire dept. is going to slow down to get to people that need help, But I have lost my job and I am have a hard time paying for heat and buy food for my 3 kid and wife. so yes maybe I am tired of paying all these fees and taxes!!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Donna
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:49 PM
Last I checked, we are a democratic society, and the voters have spoken. Mud slinging isn't called for. the majority of voters have rejected a forever tax increase and embraced Doug Bruce's stance that government can just call something a fee and do as they please regardless of what the citizens want. I alos think the only mailed information against 300 was a full page slamming Doug Bruce. He has rights like the rest of us, including to protest or sue. We aren't a police state yet. Get over it. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: notphil
Location: COS
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:46 PM
Yeah phil, Acorn is more than happy to help criminals evade taxes and operate illegally. How's that hope and change working for you? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Ray C.
Location: 80907
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:44 PM
Not really even close. I hoped that most of us had sense enough to reject this absurd proposal. Doug Bruce had nothing to do with Why I voted no. Our city council had everything to do with my voting NO. Give us more money or else scare tactics, didn't work. If they would of given us a exact plan as to what they would spend our money on that would have helped. They could have gotten more tax money and still cut police and fire. A no vote wasn't a cheap or selfish choice but a excellent decision. But for those of you who voted for 2C feel free to donate your extra cash to the USOC. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: notachanceatall
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:42 PM
Very nice talk there phil. Keep it classy ok? donotwanttolivehereanymore = MOVE THEN, I'll help ya' pack! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: ignorance is bliss
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:41 PM
How easy it is to vote NO when you don't have the facts. The damage this vote did to this city by this vote will reverberate for 20 years. You are going to lose your brightest and best policemen/women and firefighters. Your streets are already in the toilet, use Memorial Park NOT the suggestion from the people who USED to care for all parks is to put a 15 foot fence around the property and a $500.00 fine if you are caught inside the fence. You don't want to support it-don't use it. Balloon glow-Heck no-don't have enough officers to patrol. Heart attack? Your chances of permanent damage or death just increased a hundred times. How unbelievably stupid the citizens of this city are. DO NOT COMPLAIN! Remember your folks saying "Be careful what you ask for, you might get it?" Well, you got it. I would like to be a fly on the wall at Dougie's while he laughs all the way to the bank, laughing at all you poor saps who voted no. How disgusting you all are. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: tommy
Location: colorado springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:41 PM
I am sure most of the cry babies on here derive their incomes from the back of the rest of us. You are free however to donate as much of your income as you would like to the city. You just can"t steal anymore of mine [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: American
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:41 PM
It disturbs me to see so many negative comments regarding 2C and 300. How are so many misled to believe that government needs to be bigger and we need a nanny-state to spoon feed us everything? When government gets bigger it inherently introduces more corruption and waste. The constitution and other founding documents address these sort of issues well. Do not forget these documents are the building blocks of our many freedoms, including posting comments on KKTV's or any other website. Is throwing out the principles that shaped this great country a change to believe in? As Winston Churchill said, "democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried". Frankly this comment thing is kind of frustrating since you cannot effectively sum up US History and it's impact today in less than 1000 words. Research for yourself and decide if you think we should be independent and free or just go back to loyalty to the crown. At least be informed to the truth. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: NiceJobCOS
Location: N Colo Spgs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:39 PM
And for all you haters, MOVE! Go to Pueblo, or better yet, Boulder. The mentality of taxing the homeowners to fix everyone's problem is ridiculous, and the vote showed. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: mike
Location: COS
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:37 PM
Colorado Springs residents are ridicules if they think they can continue to NOT PAY for city services and live comfortably without consequences. That's exactly right they have decided their fait and will be absolutely crying later we they need someone to protect them. Better start worrying about yourself! Oh thats right they all ready do. Plus this city is going to pass an agenda by DOUG BRUCE!!! that in itself says enough about this so called city... And the person who said increase sales tax don't make the poor property owners pay. Do you have any idea why they have this problem to begin with??????? Trying to even out the revenue so it's not so one sided....get a clue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: NiceJobCOS
Location: N Colo Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:34 PM
I'm glad this vote was no. Let's get more creative than taxing the homeowners who are almost all middle class and just as hurting as everyone else. Don't make us carry more dead weight. Let's start with a small increase in sales tax, if the situation is as bad as they say. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: protean
Location: colo sprgs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:33 PM
Be careful what you wish for. No money means no money. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Greg Underhill
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:33 PM
Well, it is about time the City voters did the right thing. Now, we must keep the city from minimizing their primary responsibility of providing Police and Fire protection. Everything else is available for cutting, like parks, etc. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Sharon
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:26 PM
Anyone who calls a cop-forget about it-you just cost a city that is grossly understaffed another,just to start, 55 policemen with more leaving in droves from a city of citizens who does not support them. Your house on fire? It burns to the ground-too bad-so sad. Hope you voted yes for 2c and 3c - then you will have the grounds to gripe. You all just cut off your nose to spite your face. If your house is broken into who do you call? The cops. If your wife/daughter/sister/mother is attacked who do you call? The cops. If you are hit by a drunk driver who do you call? The cops. Your house on fire, you're injured and need emergency help? Fire department. And all of you who voted no just gave them a big, fat, slap in the face. You put them in greater jeopardy to save your sorry butts pennies Oh,they'll do their jobs and get there- eventually. But with fewer people, larger areas to cover-give them 30 or 45 minutes instead of the 5-10 a fully staffed city response time would be Unbelievable [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: FedUp
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:24 PM
donotwanttolivehereanymore _ Then move. But before you do, ask the city why everytime they want more money, they threaten the citizens with loss of police and firefighters. You would actually think there was no other place to cut in their bloated ranks. No more parks? Where are they going? Are they being sold off? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Now the hard work
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:23 PM
The voters have spoken. Now the the city government needs to do the right thing and do a bottom to top review of its budget and learn to live with in its means. What that means is that they don't take the easy way out and lay off fire fighters, police office and close parks. It means they need to get control of all thier differnt department and cut the fat. Starting with all the over head admin personnel and bonuses that they give directors. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: average citizen
Location: northeast
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:22 PM
This is a message to the city government. Everyone in the community must live on a budget. It is time the city government does the same. What a selfish City Government we have! The citizens are going through hard times and the government wants more money. Jerks! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Christina
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:22 PM
I have just seen work be done in one area only to be ripped up and redone to do something new just two months later wasting millions of dollars and other places suffer...I would have voted YES if there was some responsibility shown with the money they already have. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: phil
Location: westside
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:18 PM
good job tea baggers...i'm sure the crack dealers, gang-bangers and sex offenders will proliferate with less police presence. Too bad you can't tax them. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: donotwanttolivehereanymore
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:17 PM
I do not want to live in a city that does not want to take care of itself! No more museum, no more parks...more time to wait for police and fire!! Yes, and you the people voted for it!! Hope you enjoy it. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: FedUp
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:16 PM
CSNative - I've been paying for the stormwater project already that everyone has been reaping the benefits of. Have you? Has everyone else you know? Or just homeowners. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: FedUp
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:13 PM
I don't know when all you whiners will understand. If you want the services and the parks and everything else that makes this city what it is, step up! Property owners are tired of bearing the weight. Ask for an increase in sales tax where EVERYONE bears the weight. Just because I own my modest home doesn't mean I have money coming out my ears or even to spare. Why am I expected to pay for things I don't even have the luxury of enjoying most of the time. Everyone benefits, let Everyone pay. I'm sick of being blackmailed and threatened by a city that can't be fiscally responsible and doesn't recognize that supporting this city is everyone's responsibility, not just homeowners. Perhaps the ignorant should wake up to that. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Doogie
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:12 PM
Oink, Oink NowTimeForChange. You and your little pig mentality have just flushed Colorado Springs down the toilet. Oh, I'm sorry, that would be taxed. Well done for the assassination of our fair city! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Joey
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:08 PM
Ok city council, now you have to do what you should have been doing instead of taking the easy way out and increasing taxes. Look at all the "nice to have" things you added to the budget in the last few "prosperous years". Start hacking away at those things as you belt tighten, just as most of us voters have had to do. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: tommy
Location: cos
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:08 PM
The city will have to do what the rest of us do: cut expenses across the board not just threaten the public and lay off a few meaningless positions. We the people are to be served, we are not the servants, although most in government think otherwise. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: CSNative
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:05 PM
Sad but not surprising... even when the economy is great nobody ever wants to pay for all the things they enjoy and depend around here. So, all you that voted against 2C: guess I won't see you using our police, fire or parks services, since you can't afford to pay for them. Oh, and if your basement floods or your lot erodes and your property value plummets... don't go crying to the city since you didn't pay for stormwater improvements either. Cheap and selfish! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: NowTimeForChange
Location: CS
on Nov 3, 2009 at 09:01 PM
Doug Bruce not responsible for this vote. WE the people are. Now we need leadership which is fiscally responsible and maybe we can start trusting our city management. Not people who use backdoor antics like fees to overturn the will of the people. Looks like our city is still American and not interested in handing over our money for big government. Well done all. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: JohnB
Location: central
on Nov 3, 2009 at 08:54 PM
What a selfish community this is! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Notdougbruce
Location: COS
on Nov 3, 2009 at 08:50 PM
LAME. Left wondering when the ignorant will wake up.... [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: jim
Location: colorado springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 08:48 PM
do not be surprised to see AMERICANS rejecting tax increases. We are responsible for our family budgets and have to, when times are good, save money for the tough times. Do you politicians know what it means to SAVE FOR THE TOUGH TIMES! NO all you know is to spend and waste to increase next years budget. Sorry but no sympathy for you big spenders. unfortunatly WE THE PEOPLE suffer from your irresponsibility but there are elections coming and hopefully you will be unemployed soon!!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Doogie
Location: Colorado Springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 08:27 PM
Greed conquers all and Colorado Springs goes down the tubes. Thank you Doug Bruce and your selfish, self-centered followers. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Thomas
Location: Old Colorado City
on Nov 3, 2009 at 08:23 PM
Good job Colorado Springs for saying NO to higher taxes! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: patty
Location: colorado springs
on Nov 3, 2009 at 08:20 PM
Well, congratulations to Doug Bruce our city will now become a slum just like his apartment buildings that he owns. And you the people voted to trash out our city!! Good for you!! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: $comment.getName()
on Nov 3, 2009 at 08:11 PM
I am really not sure when Colorado Springs residents will understand - if you want to maintain your property value you need to maintain your city. What a disappointment. [ Report Abuse ] |
Prev
How could the authors of the 2C have had any real hope this bill would pass? People are going broke, just like the City...just like many Cities across the Country. You can't expect people to agree to higher Taxes when the potential exists that their jobs may eventually be lost. The financial situation within many institutions are riding a sharp down turn. Look at the actions Credit Card Companies and Banks are trending toward. Lower lines of credit with higher interest rates, or closed accounts all togather. Chase Bank I believe is the most aggressive. As people are struggling to put food on the table and warm cloths on their children, people can not be expected to pay even more in taxes - be they rich or poor! Being a service-based economy, most of if not all our jobs are related in an interdependent fashion. How long will it be until your job is in jeopardy? How long will it be until you ask yourself where things went wrong, when things went beyond your control?
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When this proposal came up, in my mind and household, of course we want the police/fire and honored services like these to be all ok. But in an economic time, myself being a cashier after being unemployed with 15 years previous experience and top education, I get about $1,300 a month after taxes, and my financial breakdown on my recently purchased 95,000 home and married with one child is $700 mortgage, $350 necessary bills of gas, electric, phone, home/auto insurance, rest of the money goes to food... My annual property tax is $1000 and when I see 2C will double that, of course I think I want to be able to help the police/fire/etc but financially, that is close to 1/12 of my total income... So, of course we had to vote no.
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"The enterprise fee" will be phased out over an 8 year period..." 2017 is a long wait for a bill that passed overnight. So we will probably see this on the ballot for the next 8 years. It is stated "Some street lights will be turned off" due to budget cuts. After the recent mass car pile up, maybe the budget for snow plows and road maintenance will not be cut again this year? Take note: There are expensive traffic cams and gear at the corner of each streetlight in town that were purchased and not inexpensive. Maybe it should be considered to sell the cams, so people can have the street lights to see where they are going on ice in the dark. This will prevent accidents. Seems like a logical priority in the Rocky Mountains. If the funds should go anywhere it should be obvious to roads and lights. The purchase of the recent fancy phone system for $3 mil,is not something that tax payers should suffer for because they stepped up to the plate and voted no on increases and poor spending.
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I don't blame anybody for making money, But how do you know that the people who joined the military or make less (like school teachers, firefighters, and police) didn't set goals, graduate high school and college. That is a load of ASSumptions. My husband took plenty of risk. He was a green beret. I'm sorry, what risk is it to have mommy and daddy pay for your college and go into engineering? What a joke.I voted no on 2c. Maybe you should all take a look at what we did here in colorado centre. We pay directly for our fire station. Each person in this subdivision pays 33 dollars a month for fire and emt service. I think paying directly for services is the most sensible solution. I voted NO on 2c. I think our government wastes too much money. Oh, and that disabled vet already paid his TAX for his benefits. What have you given to YOUR country? He gave his service to an UNgrateful nation by going to a war noone else was willing to fight, ungrateful brat. Unbelievable.
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History teaches us that the rich get rich and the poor stay poor. As rich get richer, the poor get poorer. Then the poor kill them. Be careful who you step on.
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Truly indeed sad, SAD.. Why do you have to "blame" people who can make their mortgage, can afford to buy and live in as you put it "big fancy homes" Why is that bad? because they succeeded financially? perhaps those same groups of people worked hard enough? had goals set? finished high school? went to college? started business? became lawyers, doctors, engineers? took the challenges and the risks? and thus have been able to got those things? has it become a crime now to be successful? if you lose your job it doesnt give anyone the right to go rob and kill others. and as you claim half the people losing their homes, its not the fault of the person/persons who are still making their mortgage payments. it is indeed sad when this sort of mentality rages like wild fire, entitlement ....
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To Mr. X, Maybe nobody cares about you either. Ironic that your getting compensation from a government that you call crooks. oh, by the way, that's tax free compensation.
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i have live here for 12 years, it is really sad how people are and how ugly we talk about people. i ride the bus to work and the bus system here is really bad. It takes me 2 hour to get home with 3 different buses. i live right by a fire house, there are some days when they pull out at least 8 time in 1 days. no matter how you look at things. look at this way crime will get bad because people can't get to work. when you need a firefighter or police they will not be able to help you because we don't have enought. yes the city is getting rich and still able to live in there big fancy homes. while 1/2 of us lose ours. no matter what do or say no body cares. then you wonder why people are robbing,killing and comment suicide. what is really going on. SAD
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Well, I guess that when the hatchet comes to all of the working class in the City, at least they might get free health care now thanks to the Taxacrats. No worries from the fat cats running the city. Penelope will still get her $210,000 a year. You guys watch.
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if my freaking house burns down,so be it,,,,,,,,,and i don't need police to come to my house either. i'am 100% militay disabled(viet-nam)Army. you don't mess with viet-nam vets. i could care less about pools and parks. i'am a stay at home vet. the city council,state and federal govt. are ALL CROOKS. do what you gotta do but don't f@@@ with me.
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We shouldnt be in this situation in the first place, why should we have to pay for someones mistakes? Well we shouldnt. No one says you have to cut those firefighters and law enforcment officers, just give them a pay cut. Why should we have to pay you so you can get your regular pay? We might as well pay everyone else in the city who has recieved a pay cut or lost there job too. And I honestly dont believe that there will be so little amount of firefighters that we are going to die. Thats just a stupid comment to say, and a very ignorant one. Hundreds of thousands of people should not be punished by a few peoples careless mistake. And when I hear from my fellow firefighter freinds that they just sit around alot and play xbox 360 because so very few calls. It makes me wonder why these people get paid thousands of dollars less compared to firefighters in New York City. They are always on there feet 24/7. The price of living is much more expensive there too.
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Sally, and all other snots. I live in the 'southern part of the city'. Our homes are estimated in the 150000-190000 range. I have never started a fire or committed a crime in my life. My husband served four tours in Iraq. We went to the veteran's day parade today to salute the people who have fought for people like Sally's right to be a snob and earn enough money to live in the 'better' part of town. Why should my husband have to go to war and come back with shrapnel in his leg and ptsd, just so sally can continue to live in her world of privilege supplied by the blood, sweat, tears, and lives of the young men and women who are paid only enough to live down here in the 'southern part of colorado springs' in homes she likes to call hovels? Because Sally, They are American citizens first, and it isn't all about them. It's about defending their country and supporting their community. It's about character, you might want to take some notes.
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The city only gets 2% of all sales tax... it relies very much (most of its money comes from) property tax... oh and for all you guys who voted no on 2C because you didnt want to give the city money dont complain when you dies in a fire because there aren't any firefights by your house, or when you want to go to the local swimming pool or city park with your family and you cant because they closed down when the city didnt have enough money to keep them open because YOU said no to 2C. But hey who need parks, swimming pools, firefighter, and police officers anyways?
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want to fix deficits, stop spending money you dont have to give away in handouts and entitlement populist programs and stop borrowing.get the 47% of Americans who do not pay Federal taxes to pay their taxes, just for starters!amazing that the economy is so bad, job losses and the gov has spent trillions and they are all falling short of their expectations while ballooning the deficit by trillions and trillions, who will pay for those? our children and grandchildren will have this outrageous burden to deal with.The US$ is dropping in value, the Chinese have slowed down and or stopped buying US Treasury debt and those are one of our biggest lenders. The job reports dont look good.But coming back to the city wanting to raise taxes,what were they doing before this crisis started?what were they spending money on? how could they not see and manage the funds being collected?raise taxes,fine raise it where everyone gets to put in their 2 cents worth!not 2cents from one group and 50 from others
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$$, You made a good point. But will all the illegals we have here getting paid under the table, they don't pay tax, but drain the City of it's resources. Don't believe me, go to the ER for yourself and see how they get free healthcare and what not. Oh, my bad, it's not free, your tax dollars pay for it.
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