August 29, 2007

A Taxing Debate

The ongoing "debate" between mayoral candidates Karl Dean and Bob Clement on property taxes is laughable for the extent to which the Clement is trying to convince voters that he is the only candidate who stands firm against property taxes increases.

Clement repeatedly voices promises to not raise property taxes in the next four years - although he hasn't promised to not try to raise the city's sales tax, business tax or utility tax.

As for the property tax promise, Clement might as well pledge not to fly to the moon on the gossamer wings of a pig. The truth is the next mayor isn't going to raise property taxes because no mayor of Nashville has the authority to do so. The people of Nashville voted overwhelmingly last year to vest the final authority over property tax increases with themselves.

Clement is right - he's not going to raise Nashville's property taxes.

Then again neither is Dean.