Wednesday, October 24, 2001
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Wednesday, October 24, 2001 |
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Rapson: Here are my actual positions My stance in the past has been to refrain from political debates in the newspapers. I believe citizens expect differences to be resolved in public with both parties present. Unfortunately, a letter to the editor printed in last week's Citizen stated my position on several issues inaccurately. I believe people need to hear Steve Rapson's positions from Steve Rapson and I owe it to the readers to set the record straight. 1. I do not support raising taxes if it is not completely warranted. Period. City Council held several budget workshops and we debated this topic at length. Anyone who attended those meetings or read the minutes from the meetings can tell you that I do not support raising taxes this year, next year or any year. The fact that I did not support increasing taxes by 13 percent this year does not mean that somehow I think we'll just roll over that increase into the next year. That is a simplistic approach to budgeting. It is inaccurate and extremely misleading. We have to change our approach to how we do things. This approach does not delay or shift property tax increases from one year to the next, but rather, is a fundamental change in how we approach balancing the city's budget to meet the needs of all citizens, while maintaining financial integrity. I certainty would not support, advocate or allow a 28 percent tax increase. This past year, city staff implemented a seven-point plan that I outlined during the budget workshops that resulted in several revenue enhancements and cost containment measures which totaled nearly $1 million and reduced the staff's originally proposed tax increase by 14 percent. During the budget workshops, I presented two separate plans each maintained our current levels of staffing and service showing that a tax increase was not required. We should review each year's budget with this same scrutiny. Simply put, I will not support an operating budget that requires a tax increase unless I believe that all other avenues have been utterly exhausted. It's important that candidates for City Council understand the complexities of a budget and the budgeting process. 2. I think that the millage rate rollback in 2000 was a mistake. It was a premature decision. However, the statement that I supported wanting to roll back the millage rate this year is simply false. There was no discussion on my part or any other council members concerning a millage rate rollback this year. 3. I support the bond question for the Braelinn Baptist Church acquisition. As a citizen that is my right. I think it makes perfect sense to spend $2.8 million today for a larger and better-located facility versus spending $6 million tomorrow for a similar facility. While Peachtree City offers many wonderful facilities for the sports-minded individual, we are lacking in any type of facility (other than our library) which offers activities for our other citizens. Braelinn Church will fill that void as a multipurpose facility for ages from toddlers to seniors. From arts to cooking classes, from pottery to musical productions, I fully support the purchase of this facility. For the record however, what I think doesn't matter neither Steve Rapson nor the City Council will make this decision. The citizens of Peachtree City will decide at the polls which bond issues are passed. This is the fundamental reason why I pressed to have each question presented as a separate question, so the citizens have a voice in telling council what improvements they value and are willing to support financially. Finance rates are at their lowest in years. It makes good financial sense to take advantage of these rates. Yes, if this bond question passes, it will mean a tax increase. This is not a contradiction to my stand on taxes it is one thing for citizens to vote to raise taxes, it is another for City Council to make that decision on their behalf. Citizens have a right to make this choice and they will do so on Nov. 6. 4. I support the city's financial policies. If you read the minutes of the council meeting concerning the policies, you will find that I expressed concern regarding the considerable reserves that these financial policies create. These policies are good, sound goals and were created with an eye to the future we can easily meet these wonderful goals within the next five years. But not this year at the expense of our citizens. A city's goal is not to make a profit, but to provide excellent service and quality facilities while being good stewards of the citizens' tax dollars. In my short seven months in office, I have endeavored to do that. If I am elected on Nov. 6, I promise that I will continue to see that the tax dollar of Peachtree City's citizens is spent wisely. I believe that I have the ability to bring people together to work for a common good. My experience working with many community organizations, the county school board and intergovernmental associations provides me with a unique platform from which to address citizen concerns. I advocate a collaborative approach to resolve both simple and complex problems. I am flattered that it has been said about me that "he has an ability to influence people." I believe that this influence is only to bring the issues to the table and encourage a collective response in addressing the future of our city. In closing, thank you for bearing with me to read this lengthy letter. I am really not much of a "letter writer" so please, if you read or hear anything about my positions or beliefs that you question, please contact me directly by e-mail at rapson4council@yahoo.com or just give me a call at home, 770-631-4447. I believe in solid leadership, prudent financial planning and just using good, old-fashioned common sense. I encourage you to visit my website, www.rapson.net, to find out more about what I stand for. Steve Rapson Peachtree City
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