The Commercial Appeal’s Editorial today reminded me of the “Bait
and Switch” trick in politics. Thanks
for the editorial that asks the question why fees should be levied on citizens
for services that have been included in our taxes.
This is a perfect example of "Bait
and Switch" Politics.
The Memphis City Council transferred
the responsibility of maintaining the street lights from the City of Memphis to
Memphis Light Gas & Water. But, they transferred the responsibility without
the funds. That's like giving a mother child support and she spends it on
everything but the needs of the child, and then tells the Daddy the child needs
lunch money and the school clothes. When the court ordered support took those needs in consideration. A parent
may choose to do more, but should not be required and nagged to do more. I can say that because I was once a single divorced mother trying to make sure I was a responsible steward of the funds that were given to me for my children.
The street lights were a part of the property tax. It costs approximately
$12 million to provide the street lights. The City of
Memphis did not return that to us as taxpayers and did not transfer it to
Memphis Light Gas and Water. So, what absorbed that cost?
Since, MLGW did not get the
funding, they had to attach a fee to our utility bill for that service.
So, in a roundabout way, we get an increase without calling it an
increase by the City Council.
But, the Council will campaign
at election time that they did not raise your taxes. Wink! Wink!
What they did was a "bait and switch"! We can’t vote on MLGW Board
Members. But, we vote on Council Members. The Council will tell you it was the Memphis Light Gas and Water that gave you that fee, but won't tell you why.
I asked why we are paying
for an inspection fee when cars are not being inspected. I have not
gotten an answer on that, either. You would think the closing down of the
stations would have meant a reduction in that fee.
People see through political games. Just give us the facts,
tell us the truth, and do the right thing. We are paying the same in property
taxes that we paid last year and we are getting less and less service. I
am not happy with these financial decisions, at all.
I refuse to take that bait, and allow them to switch the blame. "I know what you did,
and it’s not cool.” Wink! Wink!
