Time, Money, & Bonds

Across Texas voters are heading to the polls voting for constitutional amendments, but here in Lubbock they are also voting for 4 local bond issues.

The 4 bond proposals (in a nutshell) are:

  • Prop 1: Street improvements. 34th street and streets in SW Lubbock.
  • Prop 2: Firefighter equipment
  • Prop 3: Splash Pads (4 of them)
  • Prop 4: Soccer fields

On my show I have come out in favor of Props 1 & 2 because these are necessities for Lubbock. 34th street is in bad shape and equipment for the firefighters is very important.

At this point I’d like to remind people that these thoughts are mine alone, not those of Ryan Hyatt or Don Williams. So don’t get confused and/or angry with Ryan or Don.

I am recommending that the people in Lubbock vote against Props 3 & 4. It’s not because I hate soccer, water, or kids. It’s because now is not the time to spend money and tax people on their luxuries, which is exactly what splash pads and soccer fields are.

Remember, we are still in a recession. We are being asked by everyone to be responsible with money and to tighten our belts. If these 2 bond issues pass your taxes will go up. Think about it. Your Federal taxes will probably be going up soon(thanks Obama). Your state taxes could go up soon too. Lubbock has already upped your taxes… or “fees” for the storm water use. Props 1 & 2 will pass easy so your taxes are going up there too. Oh, not to mention that people are still losing their jobs here in Lubbock, and if you’re not losing your job then your paycheck might be a little lighter.

So take all that in for a second and think, do we really need these two luxury items right now? Even Clayton Isom who appeared on LFN representing the Four For Lubbock PAC admits these items are luxuries.

And what about the maintenance on the soccer fields? The city can’t even take care of what they have, so why should we trust that the City of Lubbock with new fields? The argument that the city will take care of them because they are new is ludicrous.

If you put everything together it just isn’t responsible to raise taxes right now for luxury items. Let the economy bounce back and let the city prove they can take care of what they already have before we sign off on higher taxes and debt.

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Chad Hasty

Chad Hasty is the host of Lubbock's First News with Chad Hasty (weekdays 6-9am) and The Chad Hasty Show (Saturday's 5-7pm) on NewsTalk 790 KFYO in Lubbock. He writes about current issues in Lubbock, the south plains, Texas, and the nation . Every now and then Chad likes to write up reviews on restaurants and bars in Lubbock. For more information on Chad, visit his website at chadhasty.com.

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