GIRARD Income tax issue gets little publicity

An organized campaign for the tax just isn't there.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- If an informal survey is any indication, a proposed 0.5-percent city income tax increase will crash and burn Nov. 5.
The state auditor's office has warned that the city must to cut $1.1 million from the 2003 general fund budget or make drastic cuts.
About a third of the city voters approached on the subject earlier this month didn't know anything about the ballot issue despite extensive press coverage of the city's falling into state-imposed fiscal emergency in August 2001.
Most residents questioned by The Vindicator say they'll vote against the two-year issue because the city's financial woes are not of their making.
Even members of city council and the state financial planning and supervision commission that is overseeing spending are divided on the issue. There is no united voice to convince voters the tax increase is needed.
If approved, the city income tax rate will increase from 2 percent to 21/2 percent, generating $700,000 to $750,000 annually.
Questions spending
"I'm very negative about it," resident Ann Migliozzi said while acknowledging she's seen the city deteriorate. "I don't believe the money is being spent wisely."
"Nobody wants more taxes. We're being taxed to death," added John Anthanasen.
Although he thinks voters will reject the increase, he doesn't blame current city officials, saying the mess is a result of a series of bad decisions over the years.
"It's kind of quiet this time, isn't it?" Anthanasen said of the ballot issue.
There is no organized committee to support the issue. In the neighborhoods, signs supporting it are conspicuous by their absence.
"Taxes are already too high," commented LeRae Gillette, noting she would rather get a pay raise at Goodwill Industries in Liberty, where she has worked 31 years.
"I think we're overtaxed," Angie Mikolaj said.
Like Anthanasen, Mikolaj called attention to the lack of a campaign.
There are those who say they'll vote for the tax.
Sees a need
"I'm not in favor of it, but they need to have the money. I don't know if it will pass. We have to do something to get the city back on track," said Paul Birmingham.
Patricia Morris, however, sided with the negative crowd, saying the administration should take pay cuts.
"They should have done something long ago. They waited too long," she said.
The general theme among those who wouldn't give their names was that city officials expect the public to bail them out even though residents didn't create the problem.
yovich@vindy.com