September 26, 2004, 12:00 PM
Updated: Chronically Biased endorses Proposition 2
This November, Houston voters will have a choice between two city charter amendments dealing with local government's lack of fiscal discipline. Chronically Biased strongly endorses Proposition 2, a proven method of restraining out-of-control city government.
Proposition 1 would limit the annual increase in city property tax revenue and water rates to the lower of 4.5 percent, or the combined rates of inflation and population growth. It does nothing to limit the overall city budget. In addition, the mayor's scheme panders to elderly voters by offering token “tax relief.” It raises the homestead exemption for senior citizens over a five-year period, saving elderly taxpayers less than $30 per year. It doesn't address the overall budget, however. If Prop 1 passes, expect to see higher fees on a variety of city services, from ambulances to parking meters to building permits. Without a limit on overall revenues, the mayor and city council will find a way to spend your money.
On the other hand, Proposition 2 limits the growth of city revenues in all areas. Prop 1 allows the mayor and council to pick their favorite cookie jars to raid; Prop 2 puts them all on the top shelf. It forces city officials to do what Houston taxpayers already have to do: live within their means. Prop 2 was drafted by Citizens for Public Accountability, a group of Houston's top accounting professionals. It's also being publicly supported by Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector Paul Bettencourt, and by the members of Citizens Lowering Our Unfair Taxes (CLOUT). In addition, tens of thousands of Houstonians signed a petition to get Prop 2 on the November ballot. Update: Monday, Sept. 27, the Harris County Republican Party also came out in favor of Proposition 2.
We cannot allow the fiscal excesses of the last mayoral administration poison the economic future of Houston. Limiting the growth of city government across the board is the only way to deliver a message: Mayor White, it's not your money.
The editorial staff of Chronically Biased will join Houston taxpayers in delivering that message. We heartily endorse a vote for Proposition 2 on November 2.
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