Some small communities ‘thunderstruck’ about possible LGA reductions

Bob K.
Atwater, MN     02/22/2010 10:52 PM

Maybe if we had less of this - "American Indian Resource Center for $6.6 million dollars. $5.7 million dollars for Red Lake School when we can’t get a penny for a school that is falling apart in Wells. $1.2 million dollars to the Perpich Center for the Arts. Near $40 million for trails. $4 million dollars for a volleyball center in Rochester. Millions for sculpture gardens and nature centers. $16 million for the Ordway Performing Arts Center. $17 million for Orchestra Hall." - we might have more money for LGA. The latest DFL bonding bill siphons money away from the very things you are blaming Governor Pawlenty for. Why don't you go after the DFL people who keep putting these bondign bills out there each year? Maybe some of you will start to understand we have a spending problem.

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garylierman l.
Troy, NY     02/22/2010 5:31 PM

Denise, When compared to the rest of the industrialized world, US tax rates are far, very far, from outrageous. Just think how we could lessen the deficit if every tax-paying American paid only $100 more per year. But politicians are afraid to mention raising taxes even minimally because Republicans have convinced voters that there's no need to do so. And we read, hear and view the results of that hoodwinking every day. And remember, there ain't non of them Republican politicians who is poor.

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Roger P.
Atwater, MN     02/22/2010 5:28 PM

City of Atwater shouldn't have to raise taxes. Our city council just approved the fixing up of an old building to be are new city hall.

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Randy O.
Hoffman, MN     02/22/2010 3:01 PM

Paul H, you're a smart, educated adult. I'll let you figure out what less police protection will bring to our small towns. Beyond that, people need to simply move from our small towns, the LGA gravy train is coming to an end. Small towns cannot pay for the services with their property tax base. So it's time government ramps up its effort to promote the Metro Area and help out our regional centers and the Twin Cities. Down with small towns!!

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steve p.
02/22/2010 1:45 PM

larry b, I pay 11K in Willmar, so don't go there. People are really going to find out what this bone-head "no tax pledge" really comes down to. You better get over to that midway Menards and get some sheet metal for your windows.

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Denise S.
Atwater, MN     02/22/2010 1:08 PM

Paul, I am not going after him for "holding the line." I am saying he cannot keep cutting from schools and small towns without the backlash of those same small towns going under! I also don't think raising taxes is a great option...maybe he should look at cutting things out that are not needed like us little cities are having to do! Larry, In this little city we just raised our taxes to save our school! I know that little cities cant keep up with big ones, and if you keep putting more levy's on them who would "choose" to live in it? I think that MN government needs to find a way out of this without punishing schools and small towns! There is a way. If a family of 5 can survive on an extreamly small income then why is it the state can't? Sure things are going to have to be given up and people may have to step in to have it stay the same, but would that be so bad? I just don't see that Pawlenty is looking at this state as his, he is looking at it as his stepping stone to the country! And to me that is sad!

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larry b.
02/22/2010 12:37 PM

Denise commented "You can't keep raising taxes on these little cities...no one will live in htem if the taxes get outragious!" So someone else is supposed to subsidize their taxes?

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Paul H.
Willmar, MN     02/22/2010 12:00 PM

Denise, You start off by saying that you think there is more cuts Citys can make. Then you say we cannot afford to raise taves in these towns because no one will live there. (I agree) But then you go after Gov. Pawlenty for holding a line on Gov. spending. I'm confused, which is it ? Then you state we can not let this become a hostile State. (i agree) But if we keep raising taxes aren't we creating a hostile State for buisness to operate in? Maybe Bob from S.D. can give us the answer.

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Denise S.
Atwater, MN     02/22/2010 11:24 AM

I think each sity has spending they can cut and can prbably find more, but There needs to be a line drawn! You can't keep raising taxes on these little cities...no one will live in htem if the taxes get outragious! I think citizens cutting city parks grass is an awsome idea...what ever happened to getting involved in your community? And there are probably more things like that, that could be done, but there are also things that we should not be expected to do! I am amazed at the amount of cuts, but not suprised by them. T. Paw seems to think that he can cut everything including school funding and still have a successfull state! I pray that no one would ever vote for this man as our nations president! He would take our nation to a new low and put those already struggling into a deeper hole! He cares nothing about the "little people" of the state now! It is those who live paycheck to paycheck who are about to be hit the hardest. I agree we need to prepare for the worst, but not as far as to create a hostle state! Who would move here then?

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Paul H.
Willmar, MN     02/22/2010 11:15 AM

You are right on Derrick!

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