My department is on the ballot this November with a badly needed property tax issue. At our fish fry over the weekend, I got hit with the following question from one of our voters: "If you need a new fire truck, why don't you just get one of those grants like 'Hooterville' and 'Gotbucks Township' did?"
Fortunately, with a great deal of effort, I was able to refrain from screaming. I explained, as calmly as possible, that we've been pouring blood, sweat and tears into grant applications since the program started, without an ounce of luck. I told her we were very frustrated.
Anyway, the question caused me to consider what effect the AFG program might have on the outcome of our levy. How many of our voters saw the articles in our local paper about our neighbors who were awarded? How many of them will be hesitant to vote to raise their taxes for new fire equipment if they think the federal government will provide it instead?
I hope that this was an isolated instance, and that my explanation satisfied the nice lady. I'm just worried that others will have the same thought, and we won't have an opportunity to set them straight before they cast their ballot.
Fortunately, with a great deal of effort, I was able to refrain from screaming. I explained, as calmly as possible, that we've been pouring blood, sweat and tears into grant applications since the program started, without an ounce of luck. I told her we were very frustrated.
Anyway, the question caused me to consider what effect the AFG program might have on the outcome of our levy. How many of our voters saw the articles in our local paper about our neighbors who were awarded? How many of them will be hesitant to vote to raise their taxes for new fire equipment if they think the federal government will provide it instead?
I hope that this was an isolated instance, and that my explanation satisfied the nice lady. I'm just worried that others will have the same thought, and we won't have an opportunity to set them straight before they cast their ballot.
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