Victoria Ayotte-Brown: Debate rages about property tax

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1. A slight majority of commenters supported Mayor Chris Beutler’s proposal to raise the city property tax 1 cent per $100 of valuation. But a sizeable contingent of naysayers make it clear the tax increase won’t be an easy sell. The story had 77 published comments.

“I’m glad to see that the mayor is focused on what is best for the city and not worried about getting elected next term,” darned if you do said. “Sometimes that means it might cost us a little, but in order to keep what we have we are all going to have to pay a little more. A penny? That’s nothing, I bet the biggest complaints come from those driving their SUVs that they put $100 of gas in to sit in the Starbuck’s drive-thru to pay $5 a shot for their lattes.”

But Scott commented: “What was all that gratuitous surveying and solicitation of citizen input supposed to be about? The citizens have spoken loud and clear, but the mayor goes ahead, saves his pet programs (and even comes up with some new ones!) and jams a tax increase down our throats regardless. Why am I not surprised?”

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2 Another pit bull attack reported in Omaha; 73 comments published.

The debate continues on whether to ban pit bulls.

“Look at the statistics and there is a clear pattern that these dogs are a public safety issue that deserves serious attention,” dog or owner wrote. “Additional insurance, training for dog or human, steep fines for ownership, ban the dogs … maybe these are all part of the solution.”

“For all those that say, ‘Oh, ban the breed,’ OK, fine, all the responsible owners that have trained and worked with their APBT will have to explain to their family and their children that they have to kill their loving pet … eventually they may be able to find another pet, but how dare you talk like it is nothing to kill a pet!” Amber said.

3. What happens when city wallet empties; 63 comments published.

Lincoln residents have pretty strong feelings about their government and what it should be doing with tax money. Unfortunately, those feelings aren’t all the same.

“Who would have guessed that a city that has built itself on government agencies and a university would have problems with tax revenue?” Me-But said. “A great deal of this city is government property that doesn’t pay taxes. Maybe we could develop the state fairgrounds? Oh, wait … we gave that to the university, too!”

John wrote: “We moved to Lincoln six years ago; it was nice and clean. Look around and it is not anymore. I know we would rethink moving to Lincoln if we were to do it today. In fact, if the city is this behind in its budget, I would think it is a no-brainer to up the taxes. I know we don’t like where the city is going.”

4 Letters, 7/3: Gas prices aren’t so bad; 47 comments published.

Weird Wally Smith got a lot of support online for his argument that gas prices as a portion of wages aren’t higher than in the 1960s but that people expect to have more luxuries.

“Amen, brother Wally,” Weird ain’t so weird commented. “People complain the loudest about gas but turn around and buy a new Wii, or big-screen TV, or the newest iPhone. It’s all about priorities in life, and you choose what is important.”

But So wrote: “Gas prices are too high and remain too high and will continue to influence everyone in a way that not only will destroy the car businesses but also other businesses eventually. Unless an alternate affordable alternative is reached that will be usable within the next couple of years, we will all realize a huge difference in the way we do business.”

5. Fireworks laws aren’t stopping Rock Port sales; 47 comments published.

Many commenters believed Nebraskans should be able to buy what they want at Missouri fireworks stands without getting stopped by the State Patrol.

“We live in Missouri and only spent about 25 dollars this year on fireworks,” Know what commented. “If you make them legal, it’s not as tempting. Although I’m glad that eight out of 10 cars were Nebraska, because it helps with our property taxes.”

Chrys supported the State Patrol enforcement: “There are reasons some of those fireworks are illegal in Nebraska. For some of those, the reasons are very valid and the laws save lives. So those officers are doing their jobs — saving lives — when they confiscate illegal fireworks. I’m just as eager as anyone to get drunk and play with gunpowder. But the stuff we can legally purchase in Lincoln has plenty of boom and flash.”

Reach Victoria Ayotte Brown at 473-7338 or vayotte@hotmail.com.