Wednesday,September 10, 2003

Tax stand is matter of principle

Several months ago, I made it clear as a campaign promise that I would not support higher taxes for Peachtree City residents, and would work toward a zero percent millage increase for the upcoming fiscal year. That was and remains a promise I take very seriously.

Despite comments from one critic that this was simply an election year gimmick, I want to state emphatically that this commitment comes from the heart, and I will not waver. I do not derive my self-worth from being an elected official in Peachtree City, as I have a wonderful family, a church life, a demanding full-time job and many outside interests. I take this job on council very seriously, but I would much rather lose an election and stand up for what I believe in than to win an election by caving in on my principles.

The bottom line is that Americans are overtaxed today by all levels of government. Despite the fact that staff and council have worked diligently to make the budget process as painless as possible, there is nonetheless a 12.3 percent tax increase proposed to balance this budget.

It is one thing to sit by idly and say you're against tax increases and vote accordingly. It is quite another to make general and specific proposals that would have balanced the budget without a tax hike. That is what I have done.

During the budget workshops, I offered many suggestions and three specific plans that would have offered a zero percent millage increase without affecting public safety budgets in Peachtree City. However, I am but one vote out of five, and a majority will always prevail in a democracy.

Nonetheless, there is still such a thing as principle and that is what I stand on. In tough times, expenses and budgets can and should be cut to relieve the burden to taxpayers. This necessarily comes at a sacrifice because you simply cannot have your cake and eat it too.

I believe there simply was not sufficient sacrifice in this budget, and I will never buy the argument that taxpayers don't care about how their money is managed so long as their services are provided.

The buck has to stop somewhere, and for me, that is now. I will not support a tax increase and I will not vote to approve this budget.

Dan Tennant

Mayor Pro Tem

DanTennant@aol.com