As I did for the "Before you vote No.." board, I'm guessing I need to do another "catch all" board now that I-695 has passed (whoo hoo!).

This post is made up now of all the things that can happen now that 695 has passed and a way to make up for that 2.2% loss. All those who hate long posts or don't want to read an all-in-one post, can go Back now.

Let's start the show! First, BASIC SERVICES. I've heard talk already in the works to cut bus services, drivers, etc. Why? Why now? Why the day after 695 passed? You'd think they couldn't at least hold onto these people and services a little while longer? Why not start first by looking at the budget and seeing what can be cut first, before shotgunning new taxes and cutting funding before Jan 1? I mostly feel sorry for all those out there about to get hit by new taxes before the end of the year. Once they are in effect, it will be hard to stop them. You might not even notice it if it was a penny here and a penny there (but no more than a few pennies please.) Basic services must not be the first to take the blow!!!

Next, TRANSPORTATION. Boo hoo! So contractors out there ain't going to have temp jobs. Go build a house somewhere or better yet, get a more stable job. As for those Big Business companies that make a fortune from government contracts, start cutting back on your inflated budgets that rip-off the state. You wonder why your taxes are so high? It's partly your fault because they need funding from your own tax dollars.

Next, 2.2% make up. This one is too easy. First prioritize programs and spending. We as families do it all the time when our income takes a hit, why can't government? Next, if a gas tax increase comes to vote, we should vote for it. This way those that use the gas more and the roads more, pay for the costs of construction and upkeep. Now that 695 has passed, you can also pay for a better fuel effiecent car anyway, so you may use less gas too. Speaking of cars, halt all new vehicles for the state. Prove that you need to replace that car, not just because the ash tray is full or because the latest models are coming out. Buy more fuel effiecent cars and they should also be what is barely needed, not because it looks luxury. Another make up is in pay cuts for state officials. How much do these people make? I've seen salaries of officials in the six digit area, I don't make six figures and no person holding a public service job should either. Public service is a duty, not a career. And finally on this topic, ask for a simple tax from everyone, say 10 cents, every month, for "specfic" funding. 10 cents per person every month can generate 1.5 million alone for the year. (All voters who voted x 10 cents x 12).

Next, WHINERS. Face it, your $2 million dollar deceitful campaign failed. Get over it. Life stops for no one. The majority has spoken and they want what they want. If you want something, write your own inititive and try to get it passed. I do hail the politicians (Rep) for still endorsing 695 even though Boeing and other money mongers were going to stop contributing. This all just goes to show you that up till now, Big Business has been getting theirs their way. Well they couldn't buy my vote and they never should try again. Big Business should keep out when people want something for themselves. Finally, to the whiners who will continue to predict gloom and doom because of 695.... it's only 58 days till the new year... move to that topic. The sun is going to come out early next year!!

Next, when does all this go into effect. Jan 1, 2000. If you want to get out of paying your Nov or Dec tabs, don't drive your vehicle until after you got your new tabs. Walk, ride the bus or catch a ride to work and especially don't drive to the license offices, the cops will be staked out! When you do go in, you'll be paying a $75 fine and $30 to renew. Total: $105. Better than $500+,eh?

Next the courts. If the lawyers do have their way, they'll try to fight. But it only sounds like they will be fighting the voter part of 695 and not the tabs. So at least enjoy the $30! Personally, I don't think we are keeping the government from making laws, we are simply the approving authority. I am not a laywer, but I can play one on the internet if I wanted to.

Next, cuts. What will be cut? If you really want me to answer this one, put me on the budget commitee! I'll be sure to have at least three red markers handy! Fat first, basic services last if not never!

Next, Tim. He did a great job. Not only did he take a stand, he also was able to withstand the personal mudslinging by the opposition and probably personal attacks, pranks, threats, and investigations into his life by the powers that be and Big Business. Everyone! Send Tim a thank you card this Christmas. The poor man has taken the hardest burden of our revolt!

Next, Big Business. Get over it. 695 passed because the majority of people wanted it. Refer to Whiners.

Next, the media. You know damm sure the media will now take the side of 695. I was tired to of all the blatant opposition and editorials that went on forever about how bad 695 is, then maybe a few paragraphs the next day about how good it is.

Finally, multiple posts on the same questions. Hopefully this post will cover them all. Please, read the other board titles first before posting you question. It may have already been answered.

To all those that voted Yes, send Tim a thank you card. To all those that voted No, suck it up.... but you can also send in you entire tab fee if you really feel guilty about paying $30.

I'm Sandy D and I voted for the people's rights! I voted Yes on I-695 not because it was good, or because it will save me hundreds next year, not even because I want a say in where my tax money goes. I voted Yes on I-695 because..... I can.

-- Sandy D (sandy_d1@yahoo.com), November 03, 1999

Answers

Sandy,

I applaud your insightful and detailed post. I do have a few problems with some of the things you mentioned though.

1) 1) While I agree with you that basic services should be the last to be cut, it is only reasonable for the politicians to go to them first. They will have the most visible impact and cost them the least. It is naive to believe otherwise. The reasoning for cutting them as soon as possible is simple, the sooner I lay that guy off the more money I can carry forward to next year to cover the loss. Also, why wait to show the result of such a wise decision as cutting transportation funding then to cut transportation funding?

2) 2) As bad as I feel about the number of people that will lose their jobs because of this, I am more worried about the effect it will have on public transportation. While it may not have been the reason you voted for it, many people did vote for this just to save money on their tabs. Great for them. What about the people who don't have vehicles? What benefit is there in this law for them? Let me think about that for a minute. Oh yeah, they will get to decide on tax and fee increases (let's say for arguments sake the bus fare). Hmmm, how many single occupancy vehicle drivers out there give a damn if the bus costs $1.25 or $5.00 a trip? Not many I would be willing to guess. So under this scenario, this person will not pay any less in taxes and will most likely pay more for the service he currently gets. Did anyone ask him/her if he/she wanted that? Why yes they did, they gave him a chance to vote on something that rapes the poor and refunds the wealthy. Rock on with your democratic self!

3) 3) As for "prioritize programs and spending", you might want to have a slightly better understanding of the governmental budgeting process before you criticize it. That process is all about "prioritize programs and spending". An individual state or municipal organization will try to keep the best possible control on their budget as they can. The places where the state and municipalities can most likely trim the budget will be in the areas of special interest projects and services. Now lets think about that for a moment. As and elected official I can cut the bus budget (where I get no funding for re-election) or I can cut the special project that heavily benefits Boeing (where I can potentially get a big fat check). Which to choose, which to choose?

4) 4) Finally, Tim is an idiot. He was not doing this to bring the legislature into check. He was interested in saving a couple of thousand a year in licensing his 3 or 4 expensive vehicles. He was interested in not having to subsidize services that he personally does not partake in (I did not say personally benefit from for a reason, though he and all of us benefit from having the transit system in place - because it reduces congestion on the freeway making all of those wonderful single occupancy vehicles take that much less time getting to work in the morning - since he doesn't ride it, he shouldn't have to pay for it).

Isn't one of the things that makes a community great is it's ability to take care of those that cannot take care of them selves, in helping the less fortunate? Is it possible in today's society to think of someone other then ourselves?

-- Robert Farmer (beaker97@msgto.com), November 03, 1999.

" Isn't one of the things that makes a community great is it's ability to take care of those that cannot take care of them selves, in helping the less fortunate? Is it possible in today's society to think of someone other then ourselves? " You want some cheese with that whine? The pro-MVET people used up this argument months ago.

-- zowie (zowie@hotmail.com), November 03, 1999.

In response to Robert Farmer:

"Isn't one of the things that makes a community great is it's ability to take care of those that cannot take care of them selves, in helping the less fortunate? Is it possible in today's society to think of someone other then ourselves?" The communities are not taking care of themselves, or the less fortunate. Government is taking care of everyone who won't take care of themselves, at the expense of the rest of us. Every community has its hand out for " funding" for some project or another. As for the comment:

"What about the people who don't have vehicles? What benefit is there in this law for them?" I might add that I have no children in the federal schools. Of what benefit are they to me, who is taxed to the max to support them?

When I did have children at home, they were either in private school, or homeschooled. I asked no one to help with tuition, yet I still paid school taxes.

By the way, my tabs are only $40.00 a year. I will save zip, or close to it.

As for your congestested highway fears, I say get a bike or take a hike!

-- Leithel Lady (leithellady@yahoo.com), November 03, 1999.

Remember Leithel, this initiative is alot more then the tab fees. It gives us as taxpayers the right to control the government spending for a change by being able to vote NO on all the upcoming fees and taxes they normally slide through every month. The government officials always give themselves big raises to offset any taxes they might have to pay I have noticed.

-- Steve (steve6754@aol.com), November 04, 1999.

Actually, no. A community's greatness is not defined by "altruistic triangulation": One party, FORCING a second party, to subsidize a third. What makes a community great is the VOLUNTARY charity that takes place. Remember, it's not a gift if it is taken at the point of a gun. It's not kindness and charity if the state decrees a tax increase to pay for the programs that soothe the aching conciences of our elected officials. Remember, the socialist NAZI party was a very compassionate organization that wanted care for the aged and education at the states expense. They wanted to "put an end to the financial interests", and most importantly, they wanted all their citizens to make sacrifices to the nation, and increase their citizens' sense of duty to the people. Evil doesn't announce itself as evil. Evil announces itself as the compassionate saviour and messiah who will aleviate all of your burdens, problems and worries, if you just hand over to it a little more control.

-- Paul Oss (jnaut@earthlink.net), November 04, 1999.