Feedburner
DFL Recruits Township Officers For Support
I received a good laugh from the DFL in the mail this weekend. It starts out, “Dear Fellow Township Officers,” and goes on to explain how Pawlenty has gut LGA to the townships, yet doesn’t show supporting evidence. What it does state is that state aid to the COUNTIES has been reduced by the Pawlenty administration. Townships and counties are not the same type of government entities.
I have been involved in my township since moving to Minnesota in 2001, and on the board of supervisors since 2004. I am not aware of my township ever receiving LGA funds from the state. Doesn’t mean it hadn’t prior to my arrival, but I think I would have hear talk about it at either the board meetings or the annual meetings.
It claims that Mike Hatch worked with farm and rural groups who opposed Pawlenty’s plan to weaken local control. What plan is that? Details of these plans are distinctly absent from the letter.
It claims that Pawlenty raised our property taxes by fiat when he reduced LGA to the COUNTIES. Yes, property taxes levied by the counties has increased, however, it is because of their steadfast refusal to cut spending, and the continued increase in property valuations. Remember, it is a COUNTY tax assessor who determines what HE thinks our properties are worth, and then taxes accordingly.
Township tax levies are set by the people that make up the community, based on community needs. Perhaps it is time that tax levies be determined at the county level as well.
It also claims that Hatch “came out” to rural Minnesota, specifically Smartville and Willmar, and spoke of how to improve local control. Neither of these places is even remotely close to the township in which I live and have the privilege and honor of serving. And, what were the specifics of Hatch’s plan to improve local control? Again, specific details are conspicuously absent.
This letter is just a bunch of propaganda, spouting rhetoric that isn’t backed up by hard facts.
TAGS: