Why Do Trees Keep Voting for Axes? (Opinion)

In Reference to Upcoming Election, Longtime Rancho Mirage Resident Asks: Why Do Trees Keep Voting for Axes? (Opinion)

We are certainly not without opinions of local government.  Here, in beautiful Rancho Mirage we are looking at a November election that poses two critical issues to the voters.  The first is the election for three seats on the City Council. The other, a measure to increase the sales tax by 1%.  At first glance they may appear to be separate issues.  They are not. The real issue is governance.

When it comes to the City Council, of the three running only one was elected.  The others were appointed.  The two whose seats which are not up for election were also appointed.   Although some have been elected in subsequent races not one of them can say they initially earned the votes of the people.  So, what happens?  Because we have no term limits and the appointees are reflections of those who appointed them, undisciplined patterns can begin to appear.   And those patterns become clearer with the surprise announcement of a revenue shortage.  Without regular turnover, fresh perspectives become harder to find.  Long-Serving governing bodies become comfortable with their own decisions, less likely to challenge established practices and less inclined to question spending habits that have developed over the years.

Without discipline, even well-intentioned officials can begin to prioritize personal gain, political advantage, or loyalty to allies over the public’s needs and interests.  The temptation to misuse power grows as influence and power increase.  We see this as the City Council is asking for more revenue and one council member who will decide where the revenue is spent is being investigated for his filing on “Economic Interests”.  This gives pause when talk goes in the direction of the public service we expect and value.  This trend supports the thought that poor governance does not appear out of thin air, it develops over time.

The proposed tax hike of 1% points to entitlement and reduced transparency.  In other words, “all is well until it is not,” Do we need the money? Yes, we do.  Do we have to need the money?  No, we don’t.  And that is the real point.  There is a saying, “feed the beast”, and that is what we are doing.  We are beginning to accept higher taxes as the default solution whenever financial challenges arise.  Until we hold the City Government accountable for its spending habits this will never be enough.  In fact, approving the 1% will only bring the “beast” back.

We should not let logic drift from out conversation.  We need and deserve new ideas, or we are doomed to a cycle of repeated tax increases.  We, the voters are responsible for correcting the failings of our City in the management of our monies.  Ultimately, accountability rests with us.  Upcoming elections are not simply opportunities to choose leaders; they are opportunities to establish expectations.

Perhaps that’s what the old proverb means when it asks, “Why do the trees keep voting for the axes?”