Jim Nintzel distorts my sales tax cut idea in Skinny

TUCSON -- My friend Jim Nintzel in the Tucson Weekly this week misunderstands or distorts my view on possible sales tax cuts.

I've proposed taking a serious look at cutting our currently high sales taxes. This is a big worthy idea for more fair local economics.

My view is the current sales tax is a burden for many, and I could help provide leadership as Mayor to get everyone together to see if and how we could lower it.

When I say an eventual reduction of sales tax to 6% is a goal, I don't envision we'd "have to dump the 2 percent city sales," as the Weekly printed. If we couldn't find a way to raise enough revenue in other ways, or work out a deal with the state, then we could not do it and I would not push it.

Jim suggested one of my ideas to find a way to have new residents pay a reasonable and justifiable fee to help cover the costs they bring may be illegal. I'm not sure. I'm not a lawyer, and we don't need a lawyer for Mayor. I'm not sure yet how to implement it, but this could be a good idea to help raise revenue. I think most people who want to move to Tucson would understand and pay for the societal costs associated with them moving here. But if it turned out all the great minds couldn't figure out a way to do it legally then clearly we would not try it.

I also talked about cutting city waste, which would save budget money. Nintzel failed to mention this, and also several other ideas on possible revenue sources to replace sales taxes.

We need a Mayor who isn't afraid to articulate big visions and ideas, then show the leadership to form collaborative teams of all key players to try to get it done.

It's hard to do that when you are criticized so swiftly just for proposing an idea, and your potential opponent isn't even asked by the reporter to respond to the idea.

We need a Mayor who tries to cut the burdens on working families, not just pushes growth for the sake of growth, and expands the city budget with a regressive sales tax that hurts working people.

It's not easy even for thick-skinned people like me even consider a run for office when your positions are attacked and somewhat distorted by reporters even before you are a candidate.

But I can take it, and I'll keep on fighting for the public-interest and quality of life.

Comments

Curtis Dutiel said…
Your ideas and positions distorted by the press???

I know you haven't declared, but I think that this officially makes you a candidate!!! :)
Curtis Dutiel said…
Daniel, I think you need to declare. The recent actions of the city council to fast-track the arena makes ALL of the incumbents vulnerable, especially the mayor.

Run, Daniel Run!
Anonymous said…
So many folks want my husband to run. The question is, and remains to be: who is going to step up and help make this happen? Who will walk the countless sidewalks for him, who will help him raise money, who will rally volunteers, office space, and equipment to reach out to voters? And, most importantly, is there enough time between now and November? On the mayoral campaign issue, there seems to be a major philosophical and strategical dissconnect between the dem party machine and the grass/net roots supporters.

I know my husband Daniel can win and be a fantastic mayor. But no wo/man is an island. He may have to wait until the state leg. race in order to make a difference. But know this: he and our family are happy and proud to serve the community of Tucson.
Anonymous said…
Welcome to politics Daniel. LOL People are gonna ride you no matter what, or even how you say it. Chin up man. Any plan to reduce taxes is GOOD, and worth mentioning.( way worth looking over ) Any money put back in the tax payers hands usually winds up in consumer spending. Or, even if your look see re-routes and economizes... the tax payers would surely apperciate it. I understand your idea for new residents... seems to me like a small town kinda thing.... I dig it... but thats what we all pay taxes for. Not to mention you may have angry persons pointing to illegals not paying their fair share. So, you might want to reword that one, or find a way for that plan to include everyone paying for something they all use. But all in all people will look at it as a new type of tax. I think your ideas in print prove that you are open for suggestions, and are thinking of ways to save and create surplus...... critisism, at this point, only serves you well... keep thinking... you'll figure it out.

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