Fri - November 7, 2003
Thu - November 6, 2003
Support for open space weaker in Pottstown area [thanks to John Haley]!
Evan Brandt, ebrandt@pottsmerc.com
11/06/2003
http://www.pottstownmercury.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10469572&BRD=1674&PAG=461&dept_id=18041&rfi=6
11/06/2003
http://www.pottstownmercury.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10469572&BRD=1674&PAG=461&dept_id=18041&rfi=6
The borough is also home to one of the
initiative’s most vocal opponents, John Haley, an active member of the
Montgomery County Libertarian Party and a former state chairman.
The Libertarians were the only political party to come out formally against the referendum.
Haley said he was disappointed and surprised by the margin of victory.
"I knew the cards were stacked against us. The county was very evasive about the overall cost, and I don’t think a lot of people understood all the particulars involved," Haley said.
"It sounds so wonderful to ‘preserve open space.’ Heck, I’m in favor of it. I just don’t think this is the best way to do it," Haley said. "To have to spend $100 million in interest over the next 10 years is just incredible to me."
The Libertarians were the only political party to come out formally against the referendum.
Haley said he was disappointed and surprised by the margin of victory.
"I knew the cards were stacked against us. The county was very evasive about the overall cost, and I don’t think a lot of people understood all the particulars involved," Haley said.
"It sounds so wonderful to ‘preserve open space.’ Heck, I’m in favor of it. I just don’t think this is the best way to do it," Haley said. "To have to spend $100 million in interest over the next 10 years is just incredible to me."
Posted at 12:58 PM
Tue - November 4, 2003
Thank you!
Under the leadership of Charles Fournier, MCLC
Political Action Coordinator, a considerable effort has been put forth by Montco
LP volunteers to educate Montgomery County residents about the tax-hike ballot
question. The activists involved deserve a giant round of applause. As a result
of their efforts:
• Libertarian opposition to the tax-hike was mentioned in multiple newspaper articles.
• Numerous letters to the editor appeared in every major newspaper read in Montgomery County.
• Thousands of anti-tax hike flyers were distributed.
• The Libertarian Party was able to connect with small-L libertarians countywide, hopefully generating new members.
With generous financial contributions, we were able to advertise the Libertarian position in 2 newspapers with a combined circulation of over 50,000 county residents.
Special thanks goes to John Haley. Ever vigilant for signs of growing government, John was the first to bring the tax-hike proposal to the attention of the MCLC. He had multiple letters published in the Pottstown Mercury on this topic and he helped draft some of the press releases and promotional materials. John also reached deep into his wallet to contribute $100 towards the advertising campaign. When you see John give him a pat on the back. He's a true man of action. Send him an email: UGOTHALE (at) aol.com.
Ron Goodman and our friends in Cumberland County donated LP yard signs that will be sold to cover some of the advertising expenses and increase the visibility of the party. This is an extremely generous and unexpected gesture.
With a quarter billion dollars at stake, proponents of the tax hike have been extremely well funded and politicly connected. Both Democrats and Republicans endorsed the tax hike and even our tax money was used to promote the yes vote. Luckily, libs are used to asymmetric warfare.
Win or loose on election day, this effort has been a victory for Montco Libs. I am extremely proud of our effort. It's great to be on a winning team.
Jim Babb, MCLC Chairman
Riker: You're outmanned, you're outgunned, you're outequipped - what else have you got?
Worf: Guile.
• Libertarian opposition to the tax-hike was mentioned in multiple newspaper articles.
• Numerous letters to the editor appeared in every major newspaper read in Montgomery County.
• Thousands of anti-tax hike flyers were distributed.
• The Libertarian Party was able to connect with small-L libertarians countywide, hopefully generating new members.
With generous financial contributions, we were able to advertise the Libertarian position in 2 newspapers with a combined circulation of over 50,000 county residents.
Special thanks goes to John Haley. Ever vigilant for signs of growing government, John was the first to bring the tax-hike proposal to the attention of the MCLC. He had multiple letters published in the Pottstown Mercury on this topic and he helped draft some of the press releases and promotional materials. John also reached deep into his wallet to contribute $100 towards the advertising campaign. When you see John give him a pat on the back. He's a true man of action. Send him an email: UGOTHALE (at) aol.com.
Ron Goodman and our friends in Cumberland County donated LP yard signs that will be sold to cover some of the advertising expenses and increase the visibility of the party. This is an extremely generous and unexpected gesture.
With a quarter billion dollars at stake, proponents of the tax hike have been extremely well funded and politicly connected. Both Democrats and Republicans endorsed the tax hike and even our tax money was used to promote the yes vote. Luckily, libs are used to asymmetric warfare.
Win or loose on election day, this effort has been a victory for Montco Libs. I am extremely proud of our effort. It's great to be on a winning team.
Jim Babb, MCLC Chairman
Riker: You're outmanned, you're outgunned, you're outequipped - what else have you got?
Worf: Guile.
Posted at 01:52 AM
Mon - November 3, 2003
Open-space initiative, with bipartisan push, nears vote
Both
major parties are for it. Montco officials want voters' OK to save land - and
raise taxes.
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/7167811.htm
This article include a photo on page one of the Neighborhood section in the suburban edition.
This article include a photo on page one of the Neighborhood section in the suburban edition.
Posted on Mon, Nov. 03, 2003
Open-space initiative, with bipartisan push, nears vote
Both major parties are for it. Montco officials want voters' OK to save land - and raise taxes.
By Jeff Shields
Inquirer Staff Writer
Montgomery County's political and business leaders want voter approval tomorrow for Pennsylvania's largest-ever initiative to preserve open space, parks and trails and protect the county's watersheds and historic places.
The $150 million "Green Fields and Green Towns" referendum proposal, which dollarwise is among the most ambitious programs in the country, has united Democrats and Republicans in support and inspired a much smaller but energized movement against it.
If approved, it will be expensive - the total cost of the project after taking out bonds would be $250 million - and it will mean higher taxes. The owner of the county's typical home, assessed at $161,000, would pay $23.23 a year more in property taxes for the next 33 years, according to county estimates.
But those leading the effort say their cause is urgent, that land that is not saved today will become a subdivision tomorrow in a county that is developing at the rate of 2,200 acres a year.
"The time is ticking away on us," said Michael Marino, chairman of the county Board of Commissioners. "If we don't buy it now, can you imagine what it's going to cost in 10 years?"
Marino and his two fellow commissioners are asking voters to approve the package, but if it is defeated, the county will probably fund a more modest open-space program. The commissioners and other supporters say that preserving open space will save taxpayers in the long run by preventing residential development and the increase in school taxes that accompanies it.
Open-space advocates hope to build on the $100 million Montgomery County initiative of 1993, which followed Chester County's pioneering programs and pledged what was then an unprecedented amount. That program did not ask for the money up front, but spent it year by year, and, in the end, used only about $67 million of the $100 million pledged. The county commissioners never asked the voters to approve that measure - they enacted it themselves.
That money has preserved 8,923 acres of land in perpetuity and completed 23 miles of trails, including the 19-mile Perkiomen Trail, which is scheduled to open this month. It also leveraged an additional $42 million in other funding. Other prizes range from the 1,200-acre Musser Scout Reservation in Marlborough and Salford Townships to a 10-acre Cheltenham High School Park.
Supporters hope to avoid the previous plan's limitations so that older towns and boroughs can take full advantage of the program. The previous restriction of funds to buying of open space is cited as one of the reasons that only two-thirds of the $100 million was spent and many of the more densely developed municipalities never spent the funds available to them.
To do that, the commissioners appointed a task force from across the county, including environmentalists and developers, to come up with a plan that would include urban redevelopment in addition to the preservation of open space and farmland in the county's more rural areas.
The new plan would allow smaller municipalities to use the money not only to buy land, but also to improve parks, create links to county trails, or preserve historic resources.
Municipalities will have access to $67 million this time around, with the rest of the money devoted to larger, countywide projects such as the Schuylkill waterfront.
Those who oppose the plan say this is not the time to raise taxes.
The Pottsgrove Taxpayers Alliance, a group of about 250 active members that usually concentrates on school-tax issues in and around Pottstown, has declared its opposition to the "never-ending tax on the people," said its president, Mike Taggart.
"It would just be another property tax, and we couldn't support it," Taggart said.
While the public opposition has been limited, the supporters took no chances, forming the Green Futures political action committee. The group, which includes the same base of environmentalists and businesspeople who made up the task force, raised about $70,000 for the campaign, according to the organization.
As of Friday, 54 of 62 municipalities in the county had officially endorsed the plan, Green Futures spokeswoman Crystal Gilchrist said.
At least one township, East Norriton, has refused.
"We're not saying don't do it, we're just going to let the voters decide," Township Manager Helmuth Baerwald said. The supervisors also were concerned that the plan remains in draft form and could change after the election.
The Libertarian Party of Montgomery County, with a 0.6 percent sliver of registered voters, has enthusiastically opposed the referendum proposal.
"There are a lot of people who are hurting right now, and to ask them to pay more taxes is wrong," said John Haley of Pottstown, former state chairman of the Libertarian Party.
Developers like the open-space plan because it asks municipalities to identify their open-space priorities, giving builders a set of guidelines about where they can and cannot erect houses.
"Just tell us the rules, and we'll follow them," said James Moulton, vice president of the Homebuilders Association of Bucks and Montgomery Counties.
Contact staff writer Jeff Shields at 610-313-8173 or jshields@phillynews.com .
Open-space initiative, with bipartisan push, nears vote
Both major parties are for it. Montco officials want voters' OK to save land - and raise taxes.
By Jeff Shields
Inquirer Staff Writer
Montgomery County's political and business leaders want voter approval tomorrow for Pennsylvania's largest-ever initiative to preserve open space, parks and trails and protect the county's watersheds and historic places.
The $150 million "Green Fields and Green Towns" referendum proposal, which dollarwise is among the most ambitious programs in the country, has united Democrats and Republicans in support and inspired a much smaller but energized movement against it.
If approved, it will be expensive - the total cost of the project after taking out bonds would be $250 million - and it will mean higher taxes. The owner of the county's typical home, assessed at $161,000, would pay $23.23 a year more in property taxes for the next 33 years, according to county estimates.
But those leading the effort say their cause is urgent, that land that is not saved today will become a subdivision tomorrow in a county that is developing at the rate of 2,200 acres a year.
"The time is ticking away on us," said Michael Marino, chairman of the county Board of Commissioners. "If we don't buy it now, can you imagine what it's going to cost in 10 years?"
Marino and his two fellow commissioners are asking voters to approve the package, but if it is defeated, the county will probably fund a more modest open-space program. The commissioners and other supporters say that preserving open space will save taxpayers in the long run by preventing residential development and the increase in school taxes that accompanies it.
Open-space advocates hope to build on the $100 million Montgomery County initiative of 1993, which followed Chester County's pioneering programs and pledged what was then an unprecedented amount. That program did not ask for the money up front, but spent it year by year, and, in the end, used only about $67 million of the $100 million pledged. The county commissioners never asked the voters to approve that measure - they enacted it themselves.
That money has preserved 8,923 acres of land in perpetuity and completed 23 miles of trails, including the 19-mile Perkiomen Trail, which is scheduled to open this month. It also leveraged an additional $42 million in other funding. Other prizes range from the 1,200-acre Musser Scout Reservation in Marlborough and Salford Townships to a 10-acre Cheltenham High School Park.
Supporters hope to avoid the previous plan's limitations so that older towns and boroughs can take full advantage of the program. The previous restriction of funds to buying of open space is cited as one of the reasons that only two-thirds of the $100 million was spent and many of the more densely developed municipalities never spent the funds available to them.
To do that, the commissioners appointed a task force from across the county, including environmentalists and developers, to come up with a plan that would include urban redevelopment in addition to the preservation of open space and farmland in the county's more rural areas.
The new plan would allow smaller municipalities to use the money not only to buy land, but also to improve parks, create links to county trails, or preserve historic resources.
Municipalities will have access to $67 million this time around, with the rest of the money devoted to larger, countywide projects such as the Schuylkill waterfront.
Those who oppose the plan say this is not the time to raise taxes.
The Pottsgrove Taxpayers Alliance, a group of about 250 active members that usually concentrates on school-tax issues in and around Pottstown, has declared its opposition to the "never-ending tax on the people," said its president, Mike Taggart.
"It would just be another property tax, and we couldn't support it," Taggart said.
While the public opposition has been limited, the supporters took no chances, forming the Green Futures political action committee. The group, which includes the same base of environmentalists and businesspeople who made up the task force, raised about $70,000 for the campaign, according to the organization.
As of Friday, 54 of 62 municipalities in the county had officially endorsed the plan, Green Futures spokeswoman Crystal Gilchrist said.
At least one township, East Norriton, has refused.
"We're not saying don't do it, we're just going to let the voters decide," Township Manager Helmuth Baerwald said. The supervisors also were concerned that the plan remains in draft form and could change after the election.
The Libertarian Party of Montgomery County, with a 0.6 percent sliver of registered voters, has enthusiastically opposed the referendum proposal.
"There are a lot of people who are hurting right now, and to ask them to pay more taxes is wrong," said John Haley of Pottstown, former state chairman of the Libertarian Party.
Developers like the open-space plan because it asks municipalities to identify their open-space priorities, giving builders a set of guidelines about where they can and cannot erect houses.
"Just tell us the rules, and we'll follow them," said James Moulton, vice president of the Homebuilders Association of Bucks and Montgomery Counties.
Contact staff writer Jeff Shields at 610-313-8173 or jshields@phillynews.com .
Posted at 10:04 PM
Libs take action
We wanted to pick a fight with Hoefell, but he
wasn't home. We decided not to torch his
office.
Jim Babb (Montgomery County LP Chair)
Greg Helledy
Chuck Moulton (Membership Coordinator)
John Meade
Charles Fournier (Political Action and GFGT Coordinator)
Darren Wolfe (Media Coordinator)
After a day of intense campaigning and flyers distribution.
Jim Babb (Montgomery County LP Chair)
Greg Helledy
Chuck Moulton (Membership Coordinator)
John Meade
Charles Fournier (Political Action and GFGT Coordinator)
Darren Wolfe (Media Coordinator)
After a day of intense campaigning and flyers distribution.
Posted at 12:28 AM
Sun - November 2, 2003
Legality of "open space" bond referendum is challenged.
For immediate
release:
From: Montgomery County Libertarian Committee
For more information contact: Jim Babb, Chairman
jamesbabb@mac.com, 610-539-8825
www.montcolp.org
From: Montgomery County Libertarian Committee
For more information contact: Jim Babb, Chairman
jamesbabb@mac.com, 610-539-8825
www.montcolp.org
Friday, Montgomery County Commissioners and the
Board of Election were notified by the Montgomery County Libertarian Committee
that conditions for a legal bond referendum have not been met. "A lack of
critical information and other irregularities have tainted the election
process."
To protect voters from being misled, a valid referendum must meet conditions specified under the Local Government Unit Debt Act (LGUDA). One of the requirements of the LGUDA entails the publication of a notice of the election (Subchapter C, Section 8042). The law requires very detailed and specific information, including the amount of the debt, the exact description of the project for which the debt will be incurred, and the estimated cost of the project (including the cost of financing).
The complete Act can be read here:
http://members.aol.com/StatutesP1/53.Cp.80.html
A pdf or txt file can be downloaded at:
http://www.inventpa.com/default.aspx?id=141
A legal notice was indeed published, October 16, 2003, in the Times Herald, the newspaper of record for the county. The notice listed the estimated debt amount as $150,000,000 and cost of the projects as $150,000,000.
A scan of the notice can be downloaded here:
http://tinyurl.com/tbte
On the same day the notice was published, Montgomery County Planning Commission Director, Kenneth B. Hughes revealed to Beth Cohen of The Reporter, that the project would actually cost about $250 million or $100,000,000 beyond the project cost stated in the notice of election. The difference is the amount of the financing cost, as estimated by the County Finance Department.
According to the Montgomery County Libertarian Committee, Chairman Jim Babb "the worst breach of the LGUDA is the failure to notify voters of the true cost of the proposed projects. By omitting estimates for the costs of financing, 40% of the total project costs have been concealed. Without the full picture, voters have no way to critically analyze the proposal. With conflicting cost information and no report from the Open Space Task Force one day before Election Day, how can voters make an informed decision about this quarter million dollar project?"
“There is no reasonable explanation to this discrepancy. This is either another egregious mistake or a calculated attempt by county officials to confuse voters and conceal $100,000,000 in additional tax hikes - possibility a mix of the two." said Babb. "This is the classic bait and switch tactic. To quote the public a price of $150,000,000 and then increase taxes by $250,000,000 is appalling. The additional tax burden could be substantial for seniors or others on fixed incomes. Because both Republican and Democratic party leaderships have endorsed the tax hike proposal, county officials were surprised by the challenge. "I guess they didn't think anyone would actually read the law or stick up for taxpayers."
"By voting No, voters will avoid an embarrassing situation for the county, as well as save taxpayers from legal expenses. We are very confident that voters will strike down this foolhardy project," said Libertarian Party campaign coordinator Charles Fournier, "so far, support to our position as been tremendous throughout the county, yet we are also readying our organization for a court challenge, should it happen otherwise."
-----------------------------------
The Libertarian Party, founded in 1971, is the third largest political party in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and the nation. The Libertarian Party is committed to America's heritage of freedom: individual liberty and personal responsibility, a free-market economy of abundance and prosperity and a foreign policy of non-intervention, peace, and free trade.
To protect voters from being misled, a valid referendum must meet conditions specified under the Local Government Unit Debt Act (LGUDA). One of the requirements of the LGUDA entails the publication of a notice of the election (Subchapter C, Section 8042). The law requires very detailed and specific information, including the amount of the debt, the exact description of the project for which the debt will be incurred, and the estimated cost of the project (including the cost of financing).
The complete Act can be read here:
http://members.aol.com/StatutesP1/53.Cp.80.html
A pdf or txt file can be downloaded at:
http://www.inventpa.com/default.aspx?id=141
A legal notice was indeed published, October 16, 2003, in the Times Herald, the newspaper of record for the county. The notice listed the estimated debt amount as $150,000,000 and cost of the projects as $150,000,000.
A scan of the notice can be downloaded here:
http://tinyurl.com/tbte
On the same day the notice was published, Montgomery County Planning Commission Director, Kenneth B. Hughes revealed to Beth Cohen of The Reporter, that the project would actually cost about $250 million or $100,000,000 beyond the project cost stated in the notice of election. The difference is the amount of the financing cost, as estimated by the County Finance Department.
According to the Montgomery County Libertarian Committee, Chairman Jim Babb "the worst breach of the LGUDA is the failure to notify voters of the true cost of the proposed projects. By omitting estimates for the costs of financing, 40% of the total project costs have been concealed. Without the full picture, voters have no way to critically analyze the proposal. With conflicting cost information and no report from the Open Space Task Force one day before Election Day, how can voters make an informed decision about this quarter million dollar project?"
“There is no reasonable explanation to this discrepancy. This is either another egregious mistake or a calculated attempt by county officials to confuse voters and conceal $100,000,000 in additional tax hikes - possibility a mix of the two." said Babb. "This is the classic bait and switch tactic. To quote the public a price of $150,000,000 and then increase taxes by $250,000,000 is appalling. The additional tax burden could be substantial for seniors or others on fixed incomes. Because both Republican and Democratic party leaderships have endorsed the tax hike proposal, county officials were surprised by the challenge. "I guess they didn't think anyone would actually read the law or stick up for taxpayers."
"By voting No, voters will avoid an embarrassing situation for the county, as well as save taxpayers from legal expenses. We are very confident that voters will strike down this foolhardy project," said Libertarian Party campaign coordinator Charles Fournier, "so far, support to our position as been tremendous throughout the county, yet we are also readying our organization for a court challenge, should it happen otherwise."
-----------------------------------
The Libertarian Party, founded in 1971, is the third largest political party in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and the nation. The Libertarian Party is committed to America's heritage of freedom: individual liberty and personal responsibility, a free-market economy of abundance and prosperity and a foreign policy of non-intervention, peace, and free trade.
Posted at 10:58 PM
Thu - October 30, 2003
A letter to Montgomery County Board of Elections
Charles did the hard part on this
letter.
Montgomery County Board of
Elections:
Mr. Joseph R. Passarella
Director of Voter Services
Montgomery Co. Courthouse
Airy & Swede Sts.
Norristown, PA 19404
(610) 278-3280
Dear Mr. Passarella,
I am deeply concerned about problems with the "open space" bond referendum. These problems are so severe, that results of the ballot will be invalid. I would like to schedule a meeting to discuss the following concerns:
A detailed descrition of the proposed program has not been released 2 weeks prior to the election, as required by the election code and the Local Government Unit Debt Act. Such description does not exist as of today as the Task Force commissioned by the County has not yet released to the public a final report.
The true cost of the proposal, as define by the Local Government Unit Debt Act (subchapter A section 8002) has not been released either. This information should have been included in the public notice and publish no later that 14 days prior Election Day.
The county task force assigned to study this proposal is withholding their report until after the election. The Election Day is the deadline for the existence of the Task Force. The Task Force has 6 months to publish a report (up to Nov. 15) but will be disbanded on Nov. 4 (midnight). If no final report is submitted by then there will be no report all!
The ballot question wording is extremely vague and does not meet the requirements set firth in the Election Code, Pennsylvania Code and Local Government Unit Debt Act. The question is of the right length (less than 75 words) and is substantial equivallent to the template provided in the Local Government Unit Debt Act. However, the question fail to include "a brief description of the project" (Local Government Unit Debt Act, subparagraph B, Section § 8042. Advertisement of election). The question describe the intent of the project, not the project itself.
A definition of project is included in the Local Government Unit Debt Act, subparagraph A, section 8002:
"Project." Includes any of the following:
(1) Items of construction, acquisition, extraordinary maintenance or repair which have been undertaken by a local government unit.
(2) Preliminary studies, surveying, planning, testing or design work for any undertaking described in paragraph (1).
(3) Lands or rights in land to be acquired.
(4) Furnishings, machinery, apparatus or equipment normally classified as capital items, but these items must have a useful life of five years or more if financed separately and not as a part of a construction or acquisition project.
(5) The local government unit's share of the cost of a project undertaken jointly with one or more other local government units or the Commonwealth or one of its agencies.
(6) Countywide revision of assessment of real property.
(7) Funding of all or any portion of a reserve, or a contribution toward a combined reserve, pool or other arrangement, relating to self-insurance, which has been established by one or more local government units pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 8564 (relating to liability insurance and self-insurance) up to, but not exceeding, the amount provided in section 8007 (relating to cost of project).
(8) Funding of an unfunded actuarial accrued liability or a portion of an unfunded actuarial accrued liability.
(9) Funding or refunding of debt incurred for any or all of the foregoing purposes.
(10) Any combination of any or all of the foregoing as any or all of the above may be designated as a project by the governing body for the financing of which it desires to incur debt.
(11) Any deficit to be funded by bonds or notes as provided in this subpart or the creation of a revolving fund for specific improvements.
(12) Where a local government unit has adopted a capital budget, any unfunded portion of the capital budget selected by ordinance for current funding."
You will certainly notice that "clean water" is not included in the definition of "project" as set forth in the Act.
In the cummulative effect of the absence of Task Forth report, the absence of detailed description of the exact usage of the money (project) and the poor wording of the ballot question maintains the voters and taxpayers in total confusion as of what will be the actual cost of the project, what will the proceeds be used for and how.
In addition to being confusing, the ballot question is too broad to provide clear guidelines regarding the usage of the funds.
County employees have been working on behalf of a pro-YES special interest group and distributing their materials at taxpayer expense.
Please let me know when we can discuss this important matter. Of course time is short.
Thanks,
Jim Babb
Norristown, PA
610-539-8825
Mr. Joseph R. Passarella
Director of Voter Services
Montgomery Co. Courthouse
Airy & Swede Sts.
Norristown, PA 19404
(610) 278-3280
Dear Mr. Passarella,
I am deeply concerned about problems with the "open space" bond referendum. These problems are so severe, that results of the ballot will be invalid. I would like to schedule a meeting to discuss the following concerns:
A detailed descrition of the proposed program has not been released 2 weeks prior to the election, as required by the election code and the Local Government Unit Debt Act. Such description does not exist as of today as the Task Force commissioned by the County has not yet released to the public a final report.
The true cost of the proposal, as define by the Local Government Unit Debt Act (subchapter A section 8002) has not been released either. This information should have been included in the public notice and publish no later that 14 days prior Election Day.
The county task force assigned to study this proposal is withholding their report until after the election. The Election Day is the deadline for the existence of the Task Force. The Task Force has 6 months to publish a report (up to Nov. 15) but will be disbanded on Nov. 4 (midnight). If no final report is submitted by then there will be no report all!
The ballot question wording is extremely vague and does not meet the requirements set firth in the Election Code, Pennsylvania Code and Local Government Unit Debt Act. The question is of the right length (less than 75 words) and is substantial equivallent to the template provided in the Local Government Unit Debt Act. However, the question fail to include "a brief description of the project" (Local Government Unit Debt Act, subparagraph B, Section § 8042. Advertisement of election). The question describe the intent of the project, not the project itself.
A definition of project is included in the Local Government Unit Debt Act, subparagraph A, section 8002:
"Project." Includes any of the following:
(1) Items of construction, acquisition, extraordinary maintenance or repair which have been undertaken by a local government unit.
(2) Preliminary studies, surveying, planning, testing or design work for any undertaking described in paragraph (1).
(3) Lands or rights in land to be acquired.
(4) Furnishings, machinery, apparatus or equipment normally classified as capital items, but these items must have a useful life of five years or more if financed separately and not as a part of a construction or acquisition project.
(5) The local government unit's share of the cost of a project undertaken jointly with one or more other local government units or the Commonwealth or one of its agencies.
(6) Countywide revision of assessment of real property.
(7) Funding of all or any portion of a reserve, or a contribution toward a combined reserve, pool or other arrangement, relating to self-insurance, which has been established by one or more local government units pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 8564 (relating to liability insurance and self-insurance) up to, but not exceeding, the amount provided in section 8007 (relating to cost of project).
(8) Funding of an unfunded actuarial accrued liability or a portion of an unfunded actuarial accrued liability.
(9) Funding or refunding of debt incurred for any or all of the foregoing purposes.
(10) Any combination of any or all of the foregoing as any or all of the above may be designated as a project by the governing body for the financing of which it desires to incur debt.
(11) Any deficit to be funded by bonds or notes as provided in this subpart or the creation of a revolving fund for specific improvements.
(12) Where a local government unit has adopted a capital budget, any unfunded portion of the capital budget selected by ordinance for current funding."
You will certainly notice that "clean water" is not included in the definition of "project" as set forth in the Act.
In the cummulative effect of the absence of Task Forth report, the absence of detailed description of the exact usage of the money (project) and the poor wording of the ballot question maintains the voters and taxpayers in total confusion as of what will be the actual cost of the project, what will the proceeds be used for and how.
In addition to being confusing, the ballot question is too broad to provide clear guidelines regarding the usage of the funds.
County employees have been working on behalf of a pro-YES special interest group and distributing their materials at taxpayer expense.
Please let me know when we can discuss this important matter. Of course time is short.
Thanks,
Jim Babb
Norristown, PA
610-539-8825
Posted at 03:30 PM
Real fans of nature will vote NO to the “open space” bond referendum.
A response to the opinion column "The Last Park"
by Mike Weilbacher, Executive Director of the Lower Merion Conservancy,
published on 10/17/2003 in the Main Line Times.
Real fans of nature will vote NO to the
“open space” bond
referendum.
On November 4th, Montgomery County voters will be asked to approve or reject a proposal for the county to borrow $150,000,000. This proposal, code named “Green Fields - Green Towns” (GFGT), is seemingly for open space preservation. The bureaucrats and special interest groups pushing this scheme fail to advertise the estimated $100,000,000 extra cost to taxpayer’s in 33 years of interest. That means 40% of the taxpayers investment in “open space” will really be going directly to bankers and money lenders. Lawyers fees and litigation expenses will also drain millions (ask Abington residents). Subtract the real estate commissions and administrative expenses. How much of our taxes will actually be applied to “open space”?
We know that bankers and lawyers will be the biggest winners if this bond referendum passes, but who else will gain? A large portion of this money will be given to wealthy land owners in the form of easements. If you have a large swamp or jagged hillside on your property, the county would like to pay you not to build on it. It’s still your land and the public will have no access to it. It’s welfare for the rich. Get it if you can.
What will the less wealthy gain? Because a 30% matching grant is required, the cash strapped communities in our county will not be able to reap benefits from this plan. Unchecked government spending has bankrupted Norristown. Residents there now face a whopping 60% tax hike to maintain solvency. All these new taxes will be devastating to seniors and others on fixed incomes. The last thing Norristown needs is another government program.
Proponents of this idea have camouflaged this question as a vote for trees, fresh air and clean water. Who wouldn’t love that? Ironically the proposed scheme includes $19,000,000 in farm subsidies which will INCREASE water pollution. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has sighted “non-point source” pollution such as agriculture runoff as "the biggest challenge facing us in eliminating water pollution.” Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer, feces, hormones and antibiotics contaminate both surface and drinking water. Farms are pretty, but lets not fool ourselves into thinking our taxes are going to clean water. In addition to harming the environment, these subsidies will result in higher food bills for county residents by reducing competition.
So what’s the alternative? There is already a Open Space program and an open space commission funded by Montgomery County. The $5 million a year program would allow over 33 years, a $165,000,000 investment in green infrastructure. According to Sandra Desipio, Open Space Administrator for Montgomery County, the program could continue at that level, but "that doesn't buy a lot of property." The current program would invest $15,000,000 more than the GFGT bond and cost $100,000,000 less!
In Weilbacher’s column, he sights his Libertarian opposition as holding “quirky and dismissive views on environmental preservation.” This is of course completely false. Libertarians love nature as much as anyone. We just don’t advocate forcing people to pay for it and we trust citizens more than politicians. We encourage anyone with an interest in environmentalism to volunteer time or donate money to their favorite conservation group. Tens of thousands of county residents currently practice libertarian environmentalism by voluntarily donating millions of dollars for conservation.
Proponents of GFGT would like you to believe that if you want to preserve nature, you should support their program. However, real fans of nature will reject GFGT and all the bankers, bureaucrats and lawyers that come with it. Some things are too important to trust to glad handing politicians.
Ironically, Weilbacher dismisses the voluntary efforts of citizens to preserve the environment. Yet, his own organization boasts 1,100 members who have willingly chosen to devote their time and income to nature conservation.
Would you like to promote parks and trails in your community without burdening taxpayers? If this ballot initiative passes, the average homeowner will be forced to pay over $750 in new tax. Instead of banking on some trickle down entitlement program, take your money and donate it to YOUR favorite park or conservation charity.
Recently I asked county officials for information about this proposed expansion of government power. I was told that a multimillion dollar study is being done by a county task force to evaluate potential benefits of GFGT, but results won’t be available until after the election. So, instead of getting a preliminary report, they sent me pro-yes advertising materials from Montgomery County Lands Trust (MCLT) that promote a yes vote. County employees are hardly being impartial by serving as agents for this special interest group. In fact, members of the presumably impartial task force are on the advisory council of the Green Futures Action Committee, a special interest group formed to lobby government for "open space" spending. The incestuous relationship of county officials and special interest groups makes Washington look honest.
One of the MCLT brochures I received from the county, “Saving Land Saves Money” attempts to make an economic argument for stifling development, by sighting the overabundance of socialist programs in the county. They claim that the government spends more per citizen than it takes in. Ironically, instead of suggesting a reduction is government, this brochure suggests expanding government even further.
In a socialist system, every person is a burden to the state, so the goal is to reduce the population and block growth. In a free market system, each person is a potential customer. A desirable community will attract customers from other areas. Montgomery County’s healthy growth rate has provided local businesses with a vital hedge against the sagging economy. Only the government has a problem with too many customers.
Those seeking a stark, rural lifestyle, devoid of houses and markets, probably shouldn’t be living in the nation’s 6th largest metro area. I hope you will join me in preserving the natural beauty of Montgomery County by volunteering at your local park, contributing to a worthy conservation charity and voting NO to this bond referendum on November 4th. Support parks, not politicians and their wealthy coconspirators.
Jim Babb, Chairman
Montgomery County Libertarian Committee
www.montcolp.org
On November 4th, Montgomery County voters will be asked to approve or reject a proposal for the county to borrow $150,000,000. This proposal, code named “Green Fields - Green Towns” (GFGT), is seemingly for open space preservation. The bureaucrats and special interest groups pushing this scheme fail to advertise the estimated $100,000,000 extra cost to taxpayer’s in 33 years of interest. That means 40% of the taxpayers investment in “open space” will really be going directly to bankers and money lenders. Lawyers fees and litigation expenses will also drain millions (ask Abington residents). Subtract the real estate commissions and administrative expenses. How much of our taxes will actually be applied to “open space”?
We know that bankers and lawyers will be the biggest winners if this bond referendum passes, but who else will gain? A large portion of this money will be given to wealthy land owners in the form of easements. If you have a large swamp or jagged hillside on your property, the county would like to pay you not to build on it. It’s still your land and the public will have no access to it. It’s welfare for the rich. Get it if you can.
What will the less wealthy gain? Because a 30% matching grant is required, the cash strapped communities in our county will not be able to reap benefits from this plan. Unchecked government spending has bankrupted Norristown. Residents there now face a whopping 60% tax hike to maintain solvency. All these new taxes will be devastating to seniors and others on fixed incomes. The last thing Norristown needs is another government program.
Proponents of this idea have camouflaged this question as a vote for trees, fresh air and clean water. Who wouldn’t love that? Ironically the proposed scheme includes $19,000,000 in farm subsidies which will INCREASE water pollution. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has sighted “non-point source” pollution such as agriculture runoff as "the biggest challenge facing us in eliminating water pollution.” Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer, feces, hormones and antibiotics contaminate both surface and drinking water. Farms are pretty, but lets not fool ourselves into thinking our taxes are going to clean water. In addition to harming the environment, these subsidies will result in higher food bills for county residents by reducing competition.
So what’s the alternative? There is already a Open Space program and an open space commission funded by Montgomery County. The $5 million a year program would allow over 33 years, a $165,000,000 investment in green infrastructure. According to Sandra Desipio, Open Space Administrator for Montgomery County, the program could continue at that level, but "that doesn't buy a lot of property." The current program would invest $15,000,000 more than the GFGT bond and cost $100,000,000 less!
In Weilbacher’s column, he sights his Libertarian opposition as holding “quirky and dismissive views on environmental preservation.” This is of course completely false. Libertarians love nature as much as anyone. We just don’t advocate forcing people to pay for it and we trust citizens more than politicians. We encourage anyone with an interest in environmentalism to volunteer time or donate money to their favorite conservation group. Tens of thousands of county residents currently practice libertarian environmentalism by voluntarily donating millions of dollars for conservation.
Proponents of GFGT would like you to believe that if you want to preserve nature, you should support their program. However, real fans of nature will reject GFGT and all the bankers, bureaucrats and lawyers that come with it. Some things are too important to trust to glad handing politicians.
Ironically, Weilbacher dismisses the voluntary efforts of citizens to preserve the environment. Yet, his own organization boasts 1,100 members who have willingly chosen to devote their time and income to nature conservation.
Would you like to promote parks and trails in your community without burdening taxpayers? If this ballot initiative passes, the average homeowner will be forced to pay over $750 in new tax. Instead of banking on some trickle down entitlement program, take your money and donate it to YOUR favorite park or conservation charity.
Recently I asked county officials for information about this proposed expansion of government power. I was told that a multimillion dollar study is being done by a county task force to evaluate potential benefits of GFGT, but results won’t be available until after the election. So, instead of getting a preliminary report, they sent me pro-yes advertising materials from Montgomery County Lands Trust (MCLT) that promote a yes vote. County employees are hardly being impartial by serving as agents for this special interest group. In fact, members of the presumably impartial task force are on the advisory council of the Green Futures Action Committee, a special interest group formed to lobby government for "open space" spending. The incestuous relationship of county officials and special interest groups makes Washington look honest.
One of the MCLT brochures I received from the county, “Saving Land Saves Money” attempts to make an economic argument for stifling development, by sighting the overabundance of socialist programs in the county. They claim that the government spends more per citizen than it takes in. Ironically, instead of suggesting a reduction is government, this brochure suggests expanding government even further.
In a socialist system, every person is a burden to the state, so the goal is to reduce the population and block growth. In a free market system, each person is a potential customer. A desirable community will attract customers from other areas. Montgomery County’s healthy growth rate has provided local businesses with a vital hedge against the sagging economy. Only the government has a problem with too many customers.
Those seeking a stark, rural lifestyle, devoid of houses and markets, probably shouldn’t be living in the nation’s 6th largest metro area. I hope you will join me in preserving the natural beauty of Montgomery County by volunteering at your local park, contributing to a worthy conservation charity and voting NO to this bond referendum on November 4th. Support parks, not politicians and their wealthy coconspirators.
Jim Babb, Chairman
Montgomery County Libertarian Committee
www.montcolp.org
Posted at 01:27 AM
Sun - October 26, 2003
Vote no to open space tax hike
The Sat., Oct. 25 edition of The (Norristown)
Times Herald published the
following letter to the editor.
John Haley
following letter to the editor.
John Haley
Our Readers
Say
Vote no to open space tax hike
On Nov. 4, Montgomery County voters will be asked whether our county
government should put taxpayers $150 million further in debt to fund a new open space
program. Voters should respond with a resounding no!
This $150 million worth of new borrowing would result in a 5 percent increase
in county property taxes. That's a 5 percent increase for just one item in
the county's budget, and taxpayers would be stuck with that increase for the
next 33 years. Because of interest payments, the actual cost to taxpayers will be
$250 million. That means $100 million worth of our tax dollars won't go to
buy open space, but will end up in the pockets of the fortunate few who can
afford to invest in our debt.
Our county commissioners, Republicans Michael Marino and James Matthews --
two politicians who criticized their predecessors for borrowing too much money
-- and Democrat Ruth Damsker, are in favor of this tax hike. The county's
Republican and Democratic leadership are also in favor of this tax hike, so much so
that their sample ballots will ask their party members to vote yes. One has
to wonder, will registered Republicans and Democrats mindlessly follow their
marching orders or will they come to their senses and think for themselves by
voting no on the open space tax hike question.
Because this open space program requires a 30 percent local match (another
tax hike), it will be very difficult for financially strapped communities like
Norristown and Pottstown to participate in the program. Consequently, many of
our tax dollars will go to the wealthiest communities in the county that can
afford the 30 percent match. What's even worse is that a good portion of our tax
dollars will go to individual landowners to purchase their property's
development rights, which is essentially money for nothing since the land remains
private property and is not "open" to the public.
Taxpayers, take notice. Special interest groups, the politically connected
and tax-and spend politicians are using and abusing our government for their own
benefit by waging a "War on Taxpayers." We taxpayers must unite and fight
back. Vote no on the open space tax hike!
John H. Haley
Pottstown
Vote no to open space tax hike
On Nov. 4, Montgomery County voters will be asked whether our county
government should put taxpayers $150 million further in debt to fund a new open space
program. Voters should respond with a resounding no!
This $150 million worth of new borrowing would result in a 5 percent increase
in county property taxes. That's a 5 percent increase for just one item in
the county's budget, and taxpayers would be stuck with that increase for the
next 33 years. Because of interest payments, the actual cost to taxpayers will be
$250 million. That means $100 million worth of our tax dollars won't go to
buy open space, but will end up in the pockets of the fortunate few who can
afford to invest in our debt.
Our county commissioners, Republicans Michael Marino and James Matthews --
two politicians who criticized their predecessors for borrowing too much money
-- and Democrat Ruth Damsker, are in favor of this tax hike. The county's
Republican and Democratic leadership are also in favor of this tax hike, so much so
that their sample ballots will ask their party members to vote yes. One has
to wonder, will registered Republicans and Democrats mindlessly follow their
marching orders or will they come to their senses and think for themselves by
voting no on the open space tax hike question.
Because this open space program requires a 30 percent local match (another
tax hike), it will be very difficult for financially strapped communities like
Norristown and Pottstown to participate in the program. Consequently, many of
our tax dollars will go to the wealthiest communities in the county that can
afford the 30 percent match. What's even worse is that a good portion of our tax
dollars will go to individual landowners to purchase their property's
development rights, which is essentially money for nothing since the land remains
private property and is not "open" to the public.
Taxpayers, take notice. Special interest groups, the politically connected
and tax-and spend politicians are using and abusing our government for their own
benefit by waging a "War on Taxpayers." We taxpayers must unite and fight
back. Vote no on the open space tax hike!
John H. Haley
Pottstown
Posted at 01:47 PM
Fri - October 24, 2003
Libs PAID to be in the news!
Folks:
Unbelievable as it may seem, the Philadelphia Inquirer has
actually HIRED me to do pro-Libertarian articles for their
liberal newspaper. I've signed an open-ended contract with
them, and the first installment appears in todays edition,
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/7080839.htm and copied
below. It's an article in opposition to Montco's open
space referendum which will appear on the ballot November
4th. The print version even has my smiling face! You'd
think I was Art Buchwald or somebody important.
This article represents a major milestone in my life. A
few Libertarians who "knew me when" will recall that one of
the main reasons I became active in politics in the first
place was to foster a professional writing career. Well,
after ten years that day has finally come. Let's hope the
check comes too, as promised. (FYI, Roberta and I plan to
blow it all on celebrating!)
Woo Hoo!
- Ken
P.S. The populist headline is theirs, not mine, and they
edited some of the fire out of it, but not all of it.
Unbelievable as it may seem, the Philadelphia Inquirer has
actually HIRED me to do pro-Libertarian articles for their
liberal newspaper. I've signed an open-ended contract with
them, and the first installment appears in todays edition,
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/7080839.htm and copied
below. It's an article in opposition to Montco's open
space referendum which will appear on the ballot November
4th. The print version even has my smiling face! You'd
think I was Art Buchwald or somebody important.
This article represents a major milestone in my life. A
few Libertarians who "knew me when" will recall that one of
the main reasons I became active in politics in the first
place was to foster a professional writing career. Well,
after ten years that day has finally come. Let's hope the
check comes too, as promised. (FYI, Roberta and I plan to
blow it all on celebrating!)
Woo Hoo!
- Ken
P.S. The populist headline is theirs, not mine, and they
edited some of the fire out of it, but not all of it.
Posted on Thu, Oct. 23, 2003
Wealthy would benefit while others pay dearly.
By Ken V. Krawchuk
Hold on to your wallets. They're at it again.
Their mantra this time is "open space." Come election day,
Montgomery County politicians will ask our permission to
borrow $150 million, ostensibly for open space. But as
noble as that goal may sound, it spells expensive trouble
for all the residents of Montgomery County.
The trouble begins with the question itself. It's
misleading because the actual total is closer to twice that
amount. When you factor in just the interest, the cost
grows to $250 million.
Undeterred, supporters of this tax hike are quick to
counter how little it costs the typical homeowner. Perhaps,
but there is much they don't mention.
For example, they don't mention how this 5.1 percent hike
in the county tax rate exceeds the rate of inflation, or
that this new tax burden would endure for 33 years! That's
because the county would have three bond sales - in 2004,
2008 and 2012 - to pay for the program. Each bond issue
would have a 25-year maturity, so that would take us up to
2037.
They don't mention the folly of raising property taxes
during a recession, or how it will drive more senior
citizens from their homes. Nor do they mention how taking
land off the market artificially inflates property values,
raises rents, and drives even more first-time homeowners
out of the market.
They won't mention the "success" of previous open-space
programs, such as the 80-acre Hillside Cemetery property
that Abington Township acquired. That effort took seven
years and cost Abington $250,000 in legal fees, and the
courts still haven't set a final price on the land. Six
years ago, I was proud to have found $55,000 from the
William Penn Foundation to lay the groundwork for buying
the land. Today, I feel like a chump.
Supporters also neglect to mention that when development
rights are bought, it's mainly large landowners who reap
the windfall of tax dollars. And the land still remains
private property, so recreational opportunities are few, if
any. The large landowner gets our money and exclusive use
of the property, while we taxpayers get the bill. It's
nothing but welfare for the wealthy.
There's one fundamental truth that supporters of the ballot
question will never dare mention: Government spending is
inherently wasteful. When you send a tax dollar to the
government for open space, a sizable portion of that dollar
is immediately swallowed by the bureaucracy. Then almost
half is lost in the financing costs and interest. Even more
is lost when, in the case of outright acquisitions, the
purchased properties drop off the tax rolls. With luck,
maybe a dime on your dollar will actually be spent on open
space, if that.
But despite the things supporters won't mention, there is
one thing that they will: A Montgomery County Land Trust
poll that found that almost all county residents support
open space, and that 73 percent are willing to pay for it.
Now, if almost three quarters of the people are willing to
freely pay for open space, why do politicians need to
employ the coercive power of taxation to take it from the
27 percent who don't? Why not simply ask those 73 percent
to please donate the needed money?
The answer is easy. Just look closely at who is supporting
this tax hike: lawyers and politicians, banded together in
a special-interest political action committee,
www.Greenfuturesmontco.org. These are the very people who
will win the most if the ballot question passes, either
directly by collecting even more outrageous legal fees, or
indirectly by increasing their political clout when they
redistribute our quarter-billion dollars to their wealthy
friends and political cronies.
So if you're in favor of tax increases, in favor of
cronyism, in favor of welfare for the wealthy, in favor of
more money for lawyers, in favor of bloated bureaucracies,
in favor of politicians glad-handing your money, in favor
of wasting tax money, or simply want to feel like a chump,
then by all means you should vote for the open space ballot
question.
On the other hand, if you truly support open space, then
let's pursue a non-political solution. For example, every
summer, local volunteers could organize fund-raising street
fairs in every town in the county, with all the proceeds
earmarked for open space. Hey, 73 percent of the people
want to donate! Why do we need 33-year mortgages,
politicians, or their cronies?
Please vote no on Nov. 4.
See you at the fair.
Ken Krawchuk is chairman of the Libertarian Party of
Pennsylvania. He lives in Abington.
---------------------------------------------
Ken Krawchuk
Chair
Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
c/o PO Box 260
Cheltenham, Penna. 19012
(215) 881-9696 (voice)
215-Krawchuk (fax)
Chair@LpPa.org
LPP HQ:
3863 Union Deposit Road
#223
Harrisburg, PA 17109
1-800-R-Rights (voice/fax)
www.lppa.org
Wealthy would benefit while others pay dearly.
By Ken V. Krawchuk
Hold on to your wallets. They're at it again.
Their mantra this time is "open space." Come election day,
Montgomery County politicians will ask our permission to
borrow $150 million, ostensibly for open space. But as
noble as that goal may sound, it spells expensive trouble
for all the residents of Montgomery County.
The trouble begins with the question itself. It's
misleading because the actual total is closer to twice that
amount. When you factor in just the interest, the cost
grows to $250 million.
Undeterred, supporters of this tax hike are quick to
counter how little it costs the typical homeowner. Perhaps,
but there is much they don't mention.
For example, they don't mention how this 5.1 percent hike
in the county tax rate exceeds the rate of inflation, or
that this new tax burden would endure for 33 years! That's
because the county would have three bond sales - in 2004,
2008 and 2012 - to pay for the program. Each bond issue
would have a 25-year maturity, so that would take us up to
2037.
They don't mention the folly of raising property taxes
during a recession, or how it will drive more senior
citizens from their homes. Nor do they mention how taking
land off the market artificially inflates property values,
raises rents, and drives even more first-time homeowners
out of the market.
They won't mention the "success" of previous open-space
programs, such as the 80-acre Hillside Cemetery property
that Abington Township acquired. That effort took seven
years and cost Abington $250,000 in legal fees, and the
courts still haven't set a final price on the land. Six
years ago, I was proud to have found $55,000 from the
William Penn Foundation to lay the groundwork for buying
the land. Today, I feel like a chump.
Supporters also neglect to mention that when development
rights are bought, it's mainly large landowners who reap
the windfall of tax dollars. And the land still remains
private property, so recreational opportunities are few, if
any. The large landowner gets our money and exclusive use
of the property, while we taxpayers get the bill. It's
nothing but welfare for the wealthy.
There's one fundamental truth that supporters of the ballot
question will never dare mention: Government spending is
inherently wasteful. When you send a tax dollar to the
government for open space, a sizable portion of that dollar
is immediately swallowed by the bureaucracy. Then almost
half is lost in the financing costs and interest. Even more
is lost when, in the case of outright acquisitions, the
purchased properties drop off the tax rolls. With luck,
maybe a dime on your dollar will actually be spent on open
space, if that.
But despite the things supporters won't mention, there is
one thing that they will: A Montgomery County Land Trust
poll that found that almost all county residents support
open space, and that 73 percent are willing to pay for it.
Now, if almost three quarters of the people are willing to
freely pay for open space, why do politicians need to
employ the coercive power of taxation to take it from the
27 percent who don't? Why not simply ask those 73 percent
to please donate the needed money?
The answer is easy. Just look closely at who is supporting
this tax hike: lawyers and politicians, banded together in
a special-interest political action committee,
www.Greenfuturesmontco.org. These are the very people who
will win the most if the ballot question passes, either
directly by collecting even more outrageous legal fees, or
indirectly by increasing their political clout when they
redistribute our quarter-billion dollars to their wealthy
friends and political cronies.
So if you're in favor of tax increases, in favor of
cronyism, in favor of welfare for the wealthy, in favor of
more money for lawyers, in favor of bloated bureaucracies,
in favor of politicians glad-handing your money, in favor
of wasting tax money, or simply want to feel like a chump,
then by all means you should vote for the open space ballot
question.
On the other hand, if you truly support open space, then
let's pursue a non-political solution. For example, every
summer, local volunteers could organize fund-raising street
fairs in every town in the county, with all the proceeds
earmarked for open space. Hey, 73 percent of the people
want to donate! Why do we need 33-year mortgages,
politicians, or their cronies?
Please vote no on Nov. 4.
See you at the fair.
Ken Krawchuk is chairman of the Libertarian Party of
Pennsylvania. He lives in Abington.
---------------------------------------------
Ken Krawchuk
Chair
Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
c/o PO Box 260
Cheltenham, Penna. 19012
(215) 881-9696 (voice)
215-Krawchuk (fax)
Chair@LpPa.org
LPP HQ:
3863 Union Deposit Road
#223
Harrisburg, PA 17109
1-800-R-Rights (voice/fax)
www.lppa.org
Posted at 05:23 PM
Locals beg Montco to raise Taxes
The following article appeared in the Sunday,
Oct. 19 edition of The
(Pottstown) Mercury. The article lists all the municipalities and organizations in the
county that have passed resolutions urging residents to vote in favor of the
$150 million Open Space Tax Hike referendum that will appear on the Nov. 4
election ballot.
(Pottstown) Mercury. The article lists all the municipalities and organizations in the
county that have passed resolutions urging residents to vote in favor of the
$150 million Open Space Tax Hike referendum that will appear on the Nov. 4
election ballot.
This tax hike will cause county property taxes to
rise by 5%. Taxpayers would
be stuck with that 5% tax increase for the next 33 years, and because of
interest on the debt, the total cost to taxpayers for this tax increase will be
$250 million.
Why all these municipalities can't buy open space on their own, and why all
these organizations (special interest groups) can't raise the money privately
to buy open space, are two questions that continue to go unanswered. I suppose
the municipalities feel it's safer to have the county raise taxes and then
just look for a handout, after they come up with the required 30% match. I guess
the organizations only care about their own wants and needs. So if some
unfortunate taxpayers get taxed out of their homes, that's just the price we have to
pay to save open space.
For those of you who are fed up with special interest groups and
tax-and-spend politicians reaching deeper and deeper into your pockets, contact your local
officials and let them know how you feel about them passing a resolution
urging passage of a $150 million tax increase. Then, contact those organizations
who are in favor of this tax increase and tell them that if open space
preservation is so important to them, they should just pay for it with their own money
and leave taxpayers alone.
On Nov. 4, vote NO on the Open Space Tax Hike.
John Haley
Municipalities get on board with $150 million plan
By Margaret Gibbons
Special to The Mercury
Norristown -- Municipal support is building for a new Montgomery County
open-space acquisition grant program, according to state Rep. Catherine M. Harper,
R-61st Dist., who leads a task force appointed by the county commissioners to
create the new plan.
Harper said this past week that 35 municipalities have passed resolutions
urging residents to vote in favor of a referendum that would enable the county to
borrow $150 million over the next 10 years to implement the program.
The 35 municipalities are Abington, Ambler, Bridgeport, Bryn Athyn,
Cheltenham, Franconia, Hatfield borough, Horsham, Lansdale, Limerick, Lower Frederick,
Lower Moreland, Lower Salford, Montgomery Township, Narberth, North Wales,
Pennsburg, Plymouth, Pottstown, Red Hill, Schwenksville, Souderton, Springfield,
Telford, Towamencin, Trappe, Upper Dublin, Upper Gwynedd, Upper Hanover, Upper
Merion, Upper Moreland, Upper Pottsgrove, Upper Salford, Whitemarsh and
Whitpain.
Organizations that have passed resolutions in support of the program are the
Heritage Conservancy, the Montgomery County Lands Trust, the Pennypack
Ecological Restoration Trust, the Tri-County Area Chamber of Commerce, the Upper
Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Whitemarsh Foundation and the
Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association.
be stuck with that 5% tax increase for the next 33 years, and because of
interest on the debt, the total cost to taxpayers for this tax increase will be
$250 million.
Why all these municipalities can't buy open space on their own, and why all
these organizations (special interest groups) can't raise the money privately
to buy open space, are two questions that continue to go unanswered. I suppose
the municipalities feel it's safer to have the county raise taxes and then
just look for a handout, after they come up with the required 30% match. I guess
the organizations only care about their own wants and needs. So if some
unfortunate taxpayers get taxed out of their homes, that's just the price we have to
pay to save open space.
For those of you who are fed up with special interest groups and
tax-and-spend politicians reaching deeper and deeper into your pockets, contact your local
officials and let them know how you feel about them passing a resolution
urging passage of a $150 million tax increase. Then, contact those organizations
who are in favor of this tax increase and tell them that if open space
preservation is so important to them, they should just pay for it with their own money
and leave taxpayers alone.
On Nov. 4, vote NO on the Open Space Tax Hike.
John Haley
Municipalities get on board with $150 million plan
By Margaret Gibbons
Special to The Mercury
Norristown -- Municipal support is building for a new Montgomery County
open-space acquisition grant program, according to state Rep. Catherine M. Harper,
R-61st Dist., who leads a task force appointed by the county commissioners to
create the new plan.
Harper said this past week that 35 municipalities have passed resolutions
urging residents to vote in favor of a referendum that would enable the county to
borrow $150 million over the next 10 years to implement the program.
The 35 municipalities are Abington, Ambler, Bridgeport, Bryn Athyn,
Cheltenham, Franconia, Hatfield borough, Horsham, Lansdale, Limerick, Lower Frederick,
Lower Moreland, Lower Salford, Montgomery Township, Narberth, North Wales,
Pennsburg, Plymouth, Pottstown, Red Hill, Schwenksville, Souderton, Springfield,
Telford, Towamencin, Trappe, Upper Dublin, Upper Gwynedd, Upper Hanover, Upper
Merion, Upper Moreland, Upper Pottsgrove, Upper Salford, Whitemarsh and
Whitpain.
Organizations that have passed resolutions in support of the program are the
Heritage Conservancy, the Montgomery County Lands Trust, the Pennypack
Ecological Restoration Trust, the Tri-County Area Chamber of Commerce, the Upper
Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Whitemarsh Foundation and the
Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association.
Posted at 04:11 PM
Wed - October 22, 2003
** NEWS FROM THE FRONT **
** OPERATION GREEN FIELDS **
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS CANDIDATE
FORUM
Montgomery County Community College, Science Center
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
On Wednesday 22, the four candidates for County Commissioner were to attend a public forum organized by the League of Women Voters at the Montgomery County Community College - the last forum of this kind before Nov. 4 election.
To their outmost surprise, Ruth Damsker (D), Frank Custer (D), James Matthews (R) and Thomas Ellis (R)were greeted by the Montgomery County Libertarian Committee (Chuck Moulton & Charles Fournier) with our "No to the GFGT $250 million scam" 20" by 30" sign prominently displayed in the hall.
The candidates were really nervous, walking the hall and looking at us suspiciously. For the first time, they were encountering the opposition (us) and we outperformed them in terms of communication strategy:
Each and every person who entered the conference room had our flyer in hand. As soon as the forum started, questions about "Green Fields-Green Towns" started to rain.
James Matthew, the republican incubent nervously dismissed the possiblity of the initiative being defeated while his fellow, Thomas Hellis, acknowledged the existence of an opposition - "even in this room". Then He tried to undermine our cost/benefit approach with some - weak - arguments.
For the first time, they were forced to react to our positions instead of dictating the terms of the debate. And in front of the camera and reporters.
Overall a great operation. In addition to distributing about 100 flyers to the attendance, reporters, professors and students, we met with a cameraman of TV6. We also won kudos from the Dean Shatzman, the Dean of the Social Science Department and co-organizer of the event, for our political courage.
The best time:
When Chuck gave one of our flyer to a MCCC Professor who started to shout "No more Tax" in front of the candidates whith the Dean of Social Science chasing him and shouting in the hall "You're a Libertarian, you're a Libertarian!" Everybody, including the Executive Associate to the MCCC President, had a great time (I didn't ask the candidates).
The worst time:
The best time - when we realized that we did not have a digital or standard camera to share this great experience with you.
You want action, you want fun, you want to be part of this exciting operation: Join us on Saturday - and bring your camera, please.
Charles.
Montgomery County Community College, Science Center
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
On Wednesday 22, the four candidates for County Commissioner were to attend a public forum organized by the League of Women Voters at the Montgomery County Community College - the last forum of this kind before Nov. 4 election.
To their outmost surprise, Ruth Damsker (D), Frank Custer (D), James Matthews (R) and Thomas Ellis (R)were greeted by the Montgomery County Libertarian Committee (Chuck Moulton & Charles Fournier) with our "No to the GFGT $250 million scam" 20" by 30" sign prominently displayed in the hall.
The candidates were really nervous, walking the hall and looking at us suspiciously. For the first time, they were encountering the opposition (us) and we outperformed them in terms of communication strategy:
Each and every person who entered the conference room had our flyer in hand. As soon as the forum started, questions about "Green Fields-Green Towns" started to rain.
James Matthew, the republican incubent nervously dismissed the possiblity of the initiative being defeated while his fellow, Thomas Hellis, acknowledged the existence of an opposition - "even in this room". Then He tried to undermine our cost/benefit approach with some - weak - arguments.
For the first time, they were forced to react to our positions instead of dictating the terms of the debate. And in front of the camera and reporters.
Overall a great operation. In addition to distributing about 100 flyers to the attendance, reporters, professors and students, we met with a cameraman of TV6. We also won kudos from the Dean Shatzman, the Dean of the Social Science Department and co-organizer of the event, for our political courage.
The best time:
When Chuck gave one of our flyer to a MCCC Professor who started to shout "No more Tax" in front of the candidates whith the Dean of Social Science chasing him and shouting in the hall "You're a Libertarian, you're a Libertarian!" Everybody, including the Executive Associate to the MCCC President, had a great time (I didn't ask the candidates).
The worst time:
The best time - when we realized that we did not have a digital or standard camera to share this great experience with you.
You want action, you want fun, you want to be part of this exciting operation: Join us on Saturday - and bring your camera, please.
Charles.
Posted at 01:36 AM
Fri - October 17, 2003
Those quirky libs…
Opinion: The last park, By: MIKE
WEILBACHER
Main Line Times,
10/17/2003
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1676&dept_id=225412&newsid=10334667&PAG=461&rfi=9
"Happily,
the bond issue is fully bipartisan, maybe even nonpartisan, earning the support
of Lower Merion's Board of Commissioners, Narberth's Borough Council, all
candidates for county commissioner, the Republican and Democratic parties, and
so on. The sole voice crying in what little wilderness is left to urge defeat
of the bond issue is the Libertarian party, which holds quirky and dismissive
views on environmental preservation."
Mike Weilbacher is executive director of the Lower Merion Conservancy and can be reached at mike@dragonfly.org.
Mike Weilbacher is executive director of the Lower Merion Conservancy and can be reached at mike@dragonfly.org.
Posted at 11:25 PM
Thu - October 16, 2003
Democrats & Republicans Agree to Pilfer Montco
Homeowners.
Libertarians fight back by opposing Project Green Fields -
Green Towns.
For immediate
release:
From: Montgomery County Libertarian Party
For more information Contact: Jim Babb Chairman
jamesbabb@mac.com, 610-539-8825
www.montcolp.org
From: Montgomery County Libertarian Party
For more information Contact: Jim Babb Chairman
jamesbabb@mac.com, 610-539-8825
www.montcolp.org
Despite high unemployment, record federal
spending, looming state tax increases, and a bankrupt City of Norristown, Montco
Democratic and Republican leadership have joined forces to propose an
unprecedented expansion of the Montgomery County government. Libertarians and
local tax groups are appalled at the brazen disregard for Montco taxpayers. By
voting "NO" to project Green Fields - Green Towns, voters say no thank you to 33
years of higher taxes.
The Montgomery County Libertarian Committee continues their opposition to the Green Fields - Green Towns ballot question this week, by education and public outreach.
The county’s leaders, from both major parties, claim that open space means parks and picnic areas for public use. The reality is that most open space money is paid to landowners not to develop their land. The current owners still own the land, while the general public does not have access to it. The property may even be hidden from public view.
(See Conservation Easement FAQ: http://www.mclt.com/benefits.htm )
Democratic Party Chairman Marcel Groen recently told the Philadelphia Inquirer, "the investment in green space under a $100 million initiative in 1993 has saved the county money." Libertarian Party Chairman Jim Babb questions this logic. "If this type of initiative saves money, why should taxpayers be forced to take out a $150,000,000.00 loan? Since when does running up your credit card save money? Homeowners will be forced to pay off this single special interest project for 33 years. If Groen gets his way, future generations will still be making payments in 2037.
Groen’s statement in the Times Herald added "We love this county…and that is more important than political parties." Babb responds, "Obviously Groen's love of bigger government is bigger than his love for tax payers. Why should the coercive force of government be used against the very people you supposedly love? Politicians love power, not people."
Also from the Times Herald article Montgomery County Republican Chairman Frank R. Bartle said "This is a quality-of-life issue and part of the quality of life is the future of our families in the county," said Bartle. "Uncontrolled growth is an enemy to all." "Who would have thought that Republican leadership would become the controller of growth?" asked Babb. "As a Libertarian, I believe that individuals know what is best for their own quality of life. Many individuals already choose to freely support private conservation charities. Did Bartle consider the effect of 33 years of higher taxes on quality of life in our county?"
The following is a schedule of upcoming outreach/promotional events. The media and public are invited to attend (updated weekly):
Friday 10/17 - Norristown - 11:30am-1:30pm
Meet at the Court House main entrance. Leaflet distribution - Target: The court house at the County offices entrance opposite the Times Herald building.
Saturday 10/18 - Abington/Upper Dublin - 9:00am-1:00pm Meeting in front of Abington Town Hall. Brunch (9:00 - 9:30am) in nearby Starbucks. 746 Old York Rd, Jenkintown, PA 215-572-6003
Leaflet distribution - Target: local business, parks with trails, playgrounds, and soccer fields (Mondock Commons).
-----------------------------------
The Libertarian Party, founded in 1971, is the third largest political party in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and the nation. The Libertarian Party is committed to America's heritage of freedom: individual liberty and personal responsibility, a free-market economy of abundance and prosperity and a foreign policy of non-intervention, peace, and free trade.
The Montgomery County Libertarian Committee continues their opposition to the Green Fields - Green Towns ballot question this week, by education and public outreach.
The county’s leaders, from both major parties, claim that open space means parks and picnic areas for public use. The reality is that most open space money is paid to landowners not to develop their land. The current owners still own the land, while the general public does not have access to it. The property may even be hidden from public view.
(See Conservation Easement FAQ: http://www.mclt.com/benefits.htm )
Democratic Party Chairman Marcel Groen recently told the Philadelphia Inquirer, "the investment in green space under a $100 million initiative in 1993 has saved the county money." Libertarian Party Chairman Jim Babb questions this logic. "If this type of initiative saves money, why should taxpayers be forced to take out a $150,000,000.00 loan? Since when does running up your credit card save money? Homeowners will be forced to pay off this single special interest project for 33 years. If Groen gets his way, future generations will still be making payments in 2037.
Groen’s statement in the Times Herald added "We love this county…and that is more important than political parties." Babb responds, "Obviously Groen's love of bigger government is bigger than his love for tax payers. Why should the coercive force of government be used against the very people you supposedly love? Politicians love power, not people."
Also from the Times Herald article Montgomery County Republican Chairman Frank R. Bartle said "This is a quality-of-life issue and part of the quality of life is the future of our families in the county," said Bartle. "Uncontrolled growth is an enemy to all." "Who would have thought that Republican leadership would become the controller of growth?" asked Babb. "As a Libertarian, I believe that individuals know what is best for their own quality of life. Many individuals already choose to freely support private conservation charities. Did Bartle consider the effect of 33 years of higher taxes on quality of life in our county?"
The following is a schedule of upcoming outreach/promotional events. The media and public are invited to attend (updated weekly):
Friday 10/17 - Norristown - 11:30am-1:30pm
Meet at the Court House main entrance. Leaflet distribution - Target: The court house at the County offices entrance opposite the Times Herald building.
Saturday 10/18 - Abington/Upper Dublin - 9:00am-1:00pm Meeting in front of Abington Town Hall. Brunch (9:00 - 9:30am) in nearby Starbucks. 746 Old York Rd, Jenkintown, PA 215-572-6003
Leaflet distribution - Target: local business, parks with trails, playgrounds, and soccer fields (Mondock Commons).
-----------------------------------
The Libertarian Party, founded in 1971, is the third largest political party in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and the nation. The Libertarian Party is committed to America's heritage of freedom: individual liberty and personal responsibility, a free-market economy of abundance and prosperity and a foreign policy of non-intervention, peace, and free trade.
Posted at 02:43 AM
Speak Out!
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Published On: Sep 14, 2004 12:36 AM
Published On: Sep 14, 2004 12:36 AM