Last night, approximately 50 people were marching around the County Council building. Then, hundred of concerned citizens crowded into the council chambers and sat through the readings of 193 Amendments to the budget.
The meeting began shortly after 7PM, and was not adjourned until after 12PM. Thank you to all who stayed until the end.
The County Spokesperson had no kind words about what we have accomplished, either. The Aegis reports that Bob Thomas, the County Spokesperson, upon being asked if our rallies have affected the decision to lower the Property Tax Cap, said
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“Not in the least,” Thomas said. “We believe that some individuals associated with the TEA Party group are grossly misinformed about spending, the issue of taxes and assessments.”
“Their property tax bill has gone up because of state assessments,” hecontinued. “It’s not the result of action by Harford County government and even though the county may reduce the property tax cap, it does not preclude the state from increasing assessments that would create a higher tax bill for them.Some have totally misunderstood theissue entirely and it is not as simple as they may perceive it to be.”
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This comment clearly comes from a frustrated individual. I am not informed. I am just tired of tax and spend, tax and spend. Maybe it will take an election to realize that citizens DO care what they do.
Several people spoke their minds about the budget, and at one point, people became vocal about the long meeting, at which point Boniface had to call for order and threaten being thrown out in order to calm down the attendees.
There was not enough time for the County Council to vote on the issues, and as a result, there is an Emergency meeting scheduled for Thursday night at 7:00 at the Council Chambers. I hope just as many people show up and voice their concern at this meeting!
