Local GOP urges 'no' vote
By Dennis Hill
Published in News on May 4, 2014 1:50 AM
Goldsboro voters should reject a bond referendum Tuesday to pay for improvements to parks and recreation sites, says the chairman of the Wayne County Republican Party and a city property owner.
City officials have said sale of the proposed $18.9 million in bonds would force a 2.4-cent increase in the property tax rate. Bob Jackson said the plans for the projects are fine but that they city is taking the wrong road to pay for them. City fathers should do the work on a pay-as-you-go basis, he said, or even consider some sales tax hike instead of unfairly targeting property owners.
"They're trying to eat the elephant all at once," Jackson said.
Signs have begun to pop up across the city calling for voters to cast their ballots against the bonds. Jackson said the local party is responsible for the campaign.
The money from the sale of the bonds would be spent renovating Herman Park Center, building a new W.A. Foster center and creating greenways and a multi-sports complex.
City officials have said they believe the sale of bonds is the most cost feasible way to address the projects.
Jackson begs to differ. He spoke before the City Council recently, urging the council to find another way to finance the work.
"If they can do it without the bond, more power to them," Jackson said.
Instead of finding ways to raise taxes, city leaders should be looking at ways to cut taxes. That would bring more investment and jobs to they city, he said. A more affluent city government could then afford the amenities people want, he said.
"Growth pays for itself," Jackson said. He cited Gov. Pat McCrory's philosophy and the resulting increase in business activity across the state.
"Goldsboro could do the same thing," Jackson said. "Cut taxes and business will come, cut red tape and business will come."
Jackson said he supports the concept of recreation improvements.
"Anything that increases the viability and livability of a city or county is a good thing," he said. But the city should take its time and spend its money more wisely, he said.
"I don't know what it is about people in government," he said. "The moment they're put in a place of power, they feel like they've got to do things and generally, that means spending money."