State of the City address

[Detector]

Source: Strobel: Dodge a ‘city in transition’ - Dodge City, KS - Dodge City Daily Globe

Did anyone else find the Fate/State of the City address a bit maddening?

Despite the issues that currently plague Dodge City, including gang problems and drug use, city officials chose to focus on the positives of the area during Tuesday's State of the City address.

Strobel also cited the continually growing "Why Not Dodge?" sales tax fund. Over the past several years, local spending has risen by leaps and bounds. In 2007, the city reported roughly $8 million in revenues.

"In years when many communities were hurting in the economy, Dodge was showing increased spending," Strobel said. "If Dodge is such a bad place to live, how are sales tax receipts going up? Because a lot of hard-working people work very hard to make that happen."

OK, so lets not focus on the fact our city has filled up with illegals making our crime rate high and focus on the fact the city is making a lot of money off of it. I understand that the city seems to only care about the business community, which for the time being are making money off of our misery, but whats going to happen down the road?

I see that commercial by a local furniture store talking about how their main business is now the "Hispanic Community." Hey thats all great for you, but what about quality of life for the rest of us? And whats to happen when down the road Juan opens his own furniture store and puts you out of business?

Since it seems all some care about is the bottom line, how about we put a price on quality of life and compare it to your income. I'm sure you'll find your bottom line isn't so grand.

[CRAZY HORSE]

Is It Possible To Use The Why Not Dodge Tax Fund To Lower Property Taxes
I Agree We Are In Transition But Am Afraid It Is Down

[gadwall]

The only way to use the why not dodge money to lower taxes is to recind it and pass a new sales tax dedicated to lowering taxes. But then you would have to pay for the upkeep of the why not dodge projects out of the general fund. The only relief from property taxes will come from an expanded tax base or reduction in services.

[Mike B.]

Originally Posted by gadwall

The only way to use the why not dodge money to lower taxes is to recind it and pass a new sales tax dedicated to lowering taxes. But then you would have to pay for the upkeep of the why not dodge projects out of the general fund. The only relief from property taxes will come from an expanded tax base or reduction in services.

gadwell,

You are correct. The wnd sales tax can be repealed, but it would take 3 city commissioners voting "yes" to repeal the sales tax. The commission would then have to hold a special election to re-instate the tax by a vote of the people. The ballot would also have to state where the money would be spent (i.e. .25% to continue supporting our current wnd projects, .10% to improve and repair our streets, .15% to be applied to the citys general fund to lower property taxes.)

Trust me I know, I presented that proposal to the people of Dodge when I ran for city commissioner. Sadly the majority didn't like the idea and I was defeated by a mere 190 votes. Oh well, I met alot of good people and it was a very good experience for me.

The part of the State of the City address I did not care for was... "Despite the issues that currently plague Dodge City, including gang problems and drug use, city officials chose to focus on the positives of the area..."

Absolutly nothing wrong with looking at all the positives in our community (and we have alot) but...

My question is "Why Not also Focus" on the issues that currently plague Dodge City, including gangs, drug use and illegal immigration?

IMO Our leaders chose not to focus on these issues because it's easier to turn a blind eye (That's a negitive approach) and not work towards real solutions.

Recent city election campaign speaches were thrown away after the election results came in.

[CRAZY HORSE]

Maybe I Missed It
But Was The Idea Of A Union For City Employees Discussed In This Report
Sounds Like A Great Idea

[Detector]

Recent city election campaign speaches were thrown away after the election results came in.

Seems to be business as usual. Same plan, different people.

[K C Muffin]

Originally Posted by Mike B.

Recent city election campaign speaches were thrown away after the election results came in.

I thought that was an election rule......no?

[gadwall]

once the wnd tax was repealed getting another tax voted in would be like pulling hens teeth.

[Bubba]

I'm not sure...I would be very inclined to vote for a sales tax that would be used to lower property taxes.

[Craigb]

In the extremely short part about the problems, was illegal immigration even mentioned? I did not see it. So, it is obvious that we do not have a problem in that area! RIGHT? AS IF! It is hard to focus on the positives when looking through garbage covered glasses! Just the same old political junk!