For what it’s worth, Supervisor Mary Piepho cajoled the Contra Costa Supervisors into accepting broader language in its resolution instructing the State of California to raise taxes to balance a $24B budget deficit.
Queen Piepho yesterday argued for a more nuanced approach; asking that wasteful spending be cut, that loopholes be closed, etc, while at the same time refusing to recommend any particular tax increase.
But tax increases nevertheless.
We might add Piepho stuck to her guns, such as they were, most likely causing the noticeable twitch under Supervisor John Gioia’s right eye as he tried to nail down specific tax recommendations for the board resolution; urging his colleagues to get on board the train to serfdom.
Apparently, the delicate wording Piepho argued for was just too much for Local One business agent Rollie Katz, who erupted with a loud, childlike outburst directed toward the Supervisors.
We’re still not sure as to what Mary was up too, exactly. For if any Republican in the State Assembly or Senate played this game of accepting tax increases, but just not any old tax increase, they would be assured of being run out of town on a pole by GOP leadership and voters.
So why should Republicans and taxpayers concerned about making the rent accept the same behavior at the County level? If the May 19 Special Elections are any indication, Californians and Contra Costans don’t want their Supervisors to wheedle out of tough issues by softening tax increase resolutions with fluff.
Perhaps next time, instead of playing along, just vote NO.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Cut wasteful spending and raise more revenue. Mary is on to something here. She’s brilliant!
What wasteful programs does Mary want to cut? Afraid to say…
What taxes does Mary want to raise? Afraid to say…
Is Mary a coward or a politician? Or can two things be equally true?
A tax by another name is still a tax. Republican Mary Piepho was endorsed by tax and spender Tom Torlakson when she ran against Guy Houston. What does that tell you?
The people spoke on May 19th, Mary. Get with the program! Californians don’t want more taxes!