Editor, The Spotlight:
The County Executive’s 2012 budgeted 19.2% tax levy increase is unfair, unwise and unjust. You and I, as Taxpayers, must live within our means, why shouldn’t the County do same. I will be voting “NO” on this increase or any other increase that doesn’t meet the Cap or inflation, whichever is less, as established by the Governor.
I have been arguing in the Legislature for the last 3 years about the unsustainable level of expenses which have been accommodated by exhausting our reserves and the infusion of federal stimulus money. Both these sources of funds have now all but dried up. Government officials were also betting that the economy would come roaring back. Wrong again.
Now what are we going to do? Well it is the time for a reality check. Rather than figuring out what we want to spend, wouldn’t it be more logical to determine how much we have to spend and then determine what to spend it on. Isn’t that how you and I do budget in our daily lives? Why should government be any different?
As a fiscal conservative in the County Legislature I have been frustrated with the continuing tax and spend approach that has been prevalent during my term. With more than 30 years of business experience, I am continually amazed how government operates in a mode that would bankrupt most business. What keeps them afloat? The government has the ability to raise money by raising taxes, which is exactly what we have seen in Albany County.
Taxpayers are overburdened. People are leaving the state because they can’t afford the taxes. Businesses are leaving, or not settling here, for a more “tax friendly” location.
It is time to finally realize that well has run dry.
Richard Mendick
Albany County Legislator, 36th District
