Soccer Welfare: It's not just for millionaires anymore
Once again, we're being asked to support a tax hike because it's "for the children". We're shown advertisements on TV that portray Johnson County as a place whose biggest problem is a lack of soccer fields. We're told that soccer, and I quote, "keeps kids safe". Then we're told all about now if we approve the $75 million bond issue, there will be all sorts of new jobs and economic progress. Then, to top it all off, the slogan proponents chose is, "it's for the children, and nothing else". This is a crock.
First of all, soccer fields for kids blue valley is really not at the top of my priority list. Those of us who live in other parts of the county, such as the Northeast section, have problems of our own. Real problems. Like already high property taxes for starters. Evidentally they're not high enough for the pro-soccer welfare crowd.
Secondly, the choice of location for these fields is poor. Because of the location, expensive upgrades in infrastructure will be required (NOT part of the bond issue), and development of the fields themselves will be excessively expensive.
Next, it's not "just for the children". It's also an indirect form of corporate welfare. By passing the bond issue, the city can re-zone the area and request STAR bonds from the state for another $100 million to build a KC Wizzards stadium. How convenient. Our tax money going to create a home for the Wizzards, who are owned by a millionaire investor.
And lastly, there's the cost of the bonds themselves. The pro-soccer welfare crowd would have us to believe that this project somehow magically pays for itself. Again, this is a crock. WE will be paying back the $75 million bond issue, with interest, over the next 20 years. The average homeowner's property tax will increase over $18.00 per year, by their estimates. Then there is the STAR bond. If this fails to raise the expected revenue, (which is what would happen if the Wizzards backed out or went backrupt), guess who's left holding the bag? YOU, the taxpayer.
So when you visit the poll, please cast your vote AGAINST soccer welfare. There are better, less expensive, and more central locations for a soccer complex. And, as for the STAR Bonds for the Wizzards, well, as far as I'm concerned they can buy their own land just like every other business.
First of all, soccer fields for kids blue valley is really not at the top of my priority list. Those of us who live in other parts of the county, such as the Northeast section, have problems of our own. Real problems. Like already high property taxes for starters. Evidentally they're not high enough for the pro-soccer welfare crowd.
Secondly, the choice of location for these fields is poor. Because of the location, expensive upgrades in infrastructure will be required (NOT part of the bond issue), and development of the fields themselves will be excessively expensive.
Next, it's not "just for the children". It's also an indirect form of corporate welfare. By passing the bond issue, the city can re-zone the area and request STAR bonds from the state for another $100 million to build a KC Wizzards stadium. How convenient. Our tax money going to create a home for the Wizzards, who are owned by a millionaire investor.
And lastly, there's the cost of the bonds themselves. The pro-soccer welfare crowd would have us to believe that this project somehow magically pays for itself. Again, this is a crock. WE will be paying back the $75 million bond issue, with interest, over the next 20 years. The average homeowner's property tax will increase over $18.00 per year, by their estimates. Then there is the STAR bond. If this fails to raise the expected revenue, (which is what would happen if the Wizzards backed out or went backrupt), guess who's left holding the bag? YOU, the taxpayer.
So when you visit the poll, please cast your vote AGAINST soccer welfare. There are better, less expensive, and more central locations for a soccer complex. And, as for the STAR Bonds for the Wizzards, well, as far as I'm concerned they can buy their own land just like every other business.
posted by Jason E. Peck at 3:04 PM
1 Comments:
Don't forget all the other improvements to the surrounding streets that will need to be made to accomadate the increase in traffic.
I was almost drawn and quartered at my daughters last soccer game for giving my honest answer about Question 1 when asked.
One of the parents remarked I must not want to support my kid since I will not vote yes on Question 1 and if elected won't vote to increase taxes for schools. I reminded her I am also for concel and carry. So I want her to be under educated, not play soccer and engage in gun battles.
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