The Penny Triumphant, And Other Stories

Congratulations to supporters of the Penny for Pinellas sales tax, which passed handily in Tuesday's referendum. A strong majority of those who turned out to vote agreed to extend the 1-percent sales tax to 2010. Not that many people voted (16 percent) but the 57-43 margin was entirely decisive.

Now for the sour grapes: Once again, in this election we had the hand of local governments taking sides in elections, and spending tax dollars to advocate a particular outcome. To me this is the most dangerous, insidious, anti-American idea possible. There's a bill in the Legislature that would outlaw it, but it is coming under heavy opposition, naturally, from local governments. It's one possible topic for my column tomorrow.

Other quick Wednesday morning notes:

* You know how the Legislature "fixed" our insurance mess in its special session a few weeks back? Check out Jennifer Liberto's front-page story today about how the insurance industry is trying to get some of that undone. One example: Instead of having to pay claims within 90 days, the industry wants to change the rule to say it has to pay within 90 days of.... when it decides to pay! Good grief.

* Voters in Clearwater finally found a downtown waterfront plan they liked, spending almost $11-million to build 129 boat slips, a promenade, a boardwalk and a fishing pier near downtown's Coachman Park. And in fractured St. Pete Beach, two critics of City Hall, Linda Chaney and Harry Metz, got elected to the City Commission, which means everything is now officially their fault.

Comments

[Jim]

Pinellas County Government is by far the greediest of all the counties I have lived in my entire lifetime and there have been a few. Think about it 500 million in 2 years more in taxation, now on top of that a 10 year penny tax for billions more. We all must wonder what contracting friends will get much of the money.

What is amazing is that the county brags about a less than .5% cut on the millage when they should have released a 20% cut on the millage rate to be fair to those in this county. Notice the new vehicles, outrageously priced courthouse mod, buying up marinas for millions of dollars that others are paying for already whom are using it (vs those that don't paying the tax) and on and on and on.

They would not toss that money away if it was their checking account the way they do here in this county. Even Charlie Crist would agree these government officials here in Pinellas are money hungry and could not "give a s" about the citizens here.

[BDub]

Here, here! Totally agree with Jim's comments! It floors me that Pinellas County voters (OK...16% of them...that's pitiful!) are so blind as to not see this a just another unnecessary tax increase. Our county tax situation is out of control and we just voted to let them continue with the MADNESS!! WAKE UP, PINELLAS!!

[Joe]

Isn't amazing, Oregon doesn't even have a "sales tax" on cars or food of any kind. WOW, isn't some places in the country still really thoughtful to it's citizens.

Why does Pinellas need so much cash. Can we say to support their FAT unnecessary government projects.

[CarolB]

I hope someone finds out how much Pinellas County government spent on their campaign to promote their penny agenda. I fully agree with Howard that is a dangerous practice. Too bad the voter turnout was so small. My poll workers thanked me 5 times for showing up.

.... sigh.. now we're ALL stuck with this tax again.

Buy hey, on the bright side - I won't have to bring a prisoner home with me on the weekends like our Sherrif said we would.

[Toml]

The majority of voters decided to keep the Penny so we seem to have to live with it. One "sour grape" piece of information I would like to see is just how many county, municipal & taxing district employees there are in Pinellas County. Since the Penny directly affects their livelihood they were overwhelmingly in support. And according to at least one of the local TV stations, some were given time off to go and vote.

If people were that upset about having the pay the extra 1% sales tax, they had plenty of opportunities to vote "no"--early voting for two weeks, absentee ballots available to all voters, polls open on election day from 7AM to 7PM. The fact is that the majority decided the pluses of the tax outweighed the minuses. I agree that the government should not be spending tax funds on campaigns to "educate" voters (except regarding when and where to vote), but I do not believe this tipped the balance--The number I heard regarding campaign spending by the county was $60,000 which I'm sure the proponents could have easily raised though contributions (and should have had to--we need to support the bill introduced by Rep Long and Sen Justice to ban this practice in future.elections).

Why didn't the Supervisor of Elections for Pinellas County send written notification of Tuesday's election to voters registered in unincorporated Pinellas County? That would be a fair way of informing voters without telling them how to vote.

[John]

I don't mind having Penny since we may need it when the Fl. Legislature slash property taxes.

Everyone contact your state legislature to let them know you demand substantial property tax reduction that was promised last Nov.

I want to see a roll-back of taxes and a cap. (It shouldn't hurt Pinellas much since population is declining)
Roll-back to 2003 add back in inflation + growth. The Fl. House want to roll back to 2001, but i'll settle for compromise.

[Jim]

Penny was voted for, Pinellas populace is foolish to not get involved and start revolting against this county regarding taxation. County budet is double what is necessary to function properly... VOTE THE BAST...S out of office!!!!!!!