[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: The Way Things Ought to Be

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
The Way Things Ought to Be
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1195537232.shtml


   I serve in two of my city's volunteer positions, one being the
   Financial Commission that helps the staff and Council put together the
   annual budget. We're all but done with the 2008 budget and I'm very
   proud to say that this is an open, honest, competently run process
   here in Brooklyn Center.
   We are one of the exceptions to the general criticism of all
   governmental units with the power to tax. Maybe most cities are better
   than we generally think, in fact, Minneapolis and St. Paul excepted.
   Jason Lewis would be amazed to learn that our 2007 headcount is about
   10 less than in 2001.
   Like most first ring suburbs, we have challenges, many owing to the
   willful neglect of Minneapolis and cheap land in outer ring suburbs.
   There are gentle disagreements on specific items, like the municipal
   golf course. But we disagree on direction, not the numbers.
   I have two thoughts. One, I wish that public school financing would be
   this transparent, i.e., complete and understandable, both generally
   and in detail.
   Two, I see now how oddly complex the property tax rates and
   assessments are, mostly thanks to the Legislature, always tweaking in
   the name of "fairness."