G.A.B.B.

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Dane Bramage (note that I disagree with his figures.)

Pho's

Psychobilly, with takes on other local issues thrown in.

Village Green who explains why she's an angry voter.

Labels: Akron Blogs, Akron Politics

He breaks down the numbers:

So, out of the $18 million coming out of your pocket, 2.5 is spend on new police. That’s less than 14%. $9 million – that’s half of the planned take from your wallet – is for “job creation and retention”.

For the uninitiated, I’ll translate. “Job creation and retention” = “Mayor’s slush fund for corporate welfare”. Alternately, “Cash for politically connected businesses”. A more literal translation from the ancient tongue would be “a tax on stupid people and those who can’t vote against me”.

Check it out.

Labels: Akron Politics

The only real item of interest in the upcoming May primary election here in Akron is Issue 17, a proposed increase in the city income tax of .33 percent.

I pointed out earlier this week that the campaign has been essentially sub rosa. Village Green gives one indication of the potential problem with a quiet, turnout-centered campaign: She would be a likely yes vote if persuaded about the necessity of the tax, but isn't sure the case has been made. She is wrestling with the near-universal misgiving -- putting $9 million in a "jobs" (i.e. subsidies to corporations" fund. It's an idea guaranteed to bring out the gag reflex on both sides of the aisle.

On the other side of the spectrum, Boring Made Dull surprised no one coming out against it some time ago. Meanwhile, Redhorse and I each had thoughts about the Bob Dyer column making fun of a boiler room caller working on behalf of the campaign.

Labels: Akron, Akron Politics