COMBAT — the Community-Backed Anti-Drug Tax — was first approved by voters in 1989. Since that time Kansas City hasn't seen much benefit from it. This year the murder rate ramped up again and I don't think any serious person can say that the availability of drugs has seriously declined no matter what doctored stats claim.
Still, as always, the County wants more cash:
Jackson Countians may be asked next year to approve a sales tax extension to fight illegal drug abuse, despite a worsening economy and growing pressure on family budgets. County Executive Mike Sanders said he's considering an August vote on renewing the quarter-cent COMBAT sales tax for seven more years, through 2018.The people of Jackson County should know that po'folk and minorities are disproportionately targeted by most anti-drug laws and initiatives. Honestly, I'd like to see any of the so-called progress made by the additional tax when it comes to anything quantifiable. TKC is all in favor of substance abuse programs and even funds for community outreach . . . But like everything else, this program has a long history of controversy and payouts that obviously don't produce the desired results.
All sales taxes are regressive. But one would hope for measurable benefit from speciality taxes like the Combat tax. This particular sales tax is just a trough for a bunch of small non profits to get public funds. From your pocket through the political rewards system to the well connected.
ReplyDeleteDrug war = complete failure
ReplyDeleteOr was it designed to ruin us?
Tony have you heard anything on why Mike Sanders' political hatchet man Calvin Williford is trashing a hispanic candidate to lead COMBAT? Williford seems to want a Black woman to run the reorganized program and has told several members of the legislature that "Mexicans cannot be trusted in political offices." I doubt that he used the same approach with Ms. Garza-Ruiz. My sources tell me that Williford is doing this behind Sanders' back, but that he has held up the appointment of a Latino with extensive law enforcement experience. Ms Shields would have never put up with that.
ReplyDeleteSandy get a hobby. How about masturbation with that twitch you have?
ReplyDeleteIf it were not for Funkhouser people would catch on that Mike Sanders has no idea how to administrate a staff. He is too busy playing poker and primping his wig.
ReplyDeleteMike, Mike, here is where you give up all your credibility.
ReplyDeleteI see his car at home more than away during the week. Lazy assed county worker.
ReplyDelete