The Piercing Truth

This is right from the dictionary and seems to describe Albuquerque, Berry and Schultz. Fascism (f ash ,izem) noun An authoritarian right wing system of government and/or social organization. (in general use) extreme right wing, authoritarian, chauvinistic and/or intolerant views or practices. Fascism tends to include a belief in the supremacy of one group over another, national, ethnic, especially social strata or monetarily; a contempt for democracy, an insistence on obedience to a powerful leader, and a strong demagogic approach. Compliments of one of our Eyes

Jun 29, 2010

Your Tax Dollars at Work

An "events center" or a performing arts magnate school... what is the real future of the First Baptist Church building on the corner of Central and Broadway? The Albuquerque Public Schools - awash in bond money approved by voters back in February - has put in a bid to buy the church for $11.3 MILLION. APS wants to turn the facility originally built in 1927 into a performing arts magnate school (ABQ Journal - Subscription).

Meanwhile, the city is watching its dream of an arena, uh... "events center" exit stage left. So the city council in a 7-1 vote with Councilor Lewis objecting and Councilor Winter recusing himself, resolved to urge the mayor to try and negotiate a deal with APS to allow the two governmental entities to share the site (ABQ Journal - Subscription).

The real question is what are either of these two taxpayer paid for entities doing spending our tax dollars on a school for the performing arts or an "events center?" Both the city and APS are in the middle of what can only be called a serious budget crisis. Layoffs and cuts are rampant at both but don't worry, you'll have an "events center" or a magnate school to go to even if you can't afford the tickets or pencils.

[Sidebar]
Notice how the unpopular arena has become an "events center?" Like global warming - now climate change - the arena has become increasingly unpopular with the public. So we'll build an "events center" not an "arena" - a distinction without a difference. Or more like a boondoggle by any other name still stinks the same.
[End Sidebar]
The problem is that money for capital projects like this purchase come from the sale of bonds. They're essentially loans supported by taxes. Sometimes money will come from various federal programs like the spending package euphemistically known as ARRA - The "American Reinvestment and Recovery Act." But in the final analysis all of the money comes from us.

More importantly, the completion of these monuments to entertainment will require operational money that comes from already depleted general funds. Remember, both APS and the city are cutting salaries and laying off personnel.

In short, there are a number of very compelling reasons not to build either project. The school board looks like it's got $617 MILLION burning a hole in its pocket courtesy of a tiny tilted turnout. The city doesn't have the $400 MILLION it wants for an arena, but if or when it does you'll be the one paying for it.

This isn't about economic development and it's not about education. It's about spending every dime provided by taxpayers regardless of the long-term consequences. By the way, today - June 30th - is the last day you'll be paying 6.625% on purchases. Tomorrow you'll be paying 7% in Albuquerque - sending even more of your tax dollars to "work" so that bureaucrats and politicians can play. 

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

That the City Government can entertain any idea of real estate purchases for more "Quality of Life" improvements in the economic depression is just a classic example of Nero Fiddling while Rome burns.
APS, and contractors will no doubt be the winners with the Taxpayer footing the bill to allow for these monuments of expediture. When Albuquerque can resurrect its industry and money making tax base outside of Service and Government jobs then try pushing Pet Projects.

Anonymous said...

And then they can have the beloved trolley bring people to and from the arena. Why don't these guys get it? Downtown sucks!!! It's dirty and full of nasty people. What a pit.

Anonymous said...

downtown: that's where barboa works, perfect! "dirty, nasty, a pit"

Anonymous said...

Yes Mr. Berry will your wifes business reap the profits of the city contracts?

Anonymous said...

FOR SALE
Rio Rancho Event Center. Like new most seats never used more than once. Will consider any offer. Rio Rancho Taxpayers will even help with packing and moving of the building. Will consider package deal (Double talking Mayor thrown for no additional cost). No refund all sales final.

Anonymous said...

DOwntown is for drucnk. No decent person would take their family down there. I have never been to a city that has so much chewing gum on it's sidewalks. No wonder they call them chewees here.

Anonymous said...

How about we scrap amorphous "quality of life" crap for the next couple of years and focus on standard of living?