Concerned with local elected officials
If you live in the City of Columbus and you are not angry at the dire financial situation our city leaders have put us in, I would think that either you don’t pay taxes or you are not paying attention.
I saw in the paper where Fredrick Jackson had resigned from the council. I am happy about that. I found him to be ineffective and very scandal-ridden to be the newest member of the council. Kabir Karriem commented that “being on the council as I once was, it’s a full time job with part time benefits.” I’m not sure if Mr. Karriem suffers from dyslexia, has never held a full time job, or just isn’t paying attention. Most full time jobs do not carry the benefits of any city job. Most full time workers have to pay a range of $2,500 – $6,000 deductibles plus premiums and drug costs. City employees and councilmen get a $500 deductible, free generic drugs and a free clinic. Prior to the “budget crisis” they had a $100 deductible and free drugs regardless of cost. Talk about a Cadillac plan, they have one. These salaries and benefits are funded by our tax dollars, property and otherwise. I find it quite odd Mr. Karriem owes property taxes for 2016, 17 and 18.
While I am on the subject of taxes and spending, our Fire Chief Martin Andrews requested permission for himself, the mayor and three other firemen to go to Atlanta for the FRI conference August 7-10. The cost for all to attend is $3,750. After they get the five star hotel, five star dining and cocktails we will have paid over $9,000 for this junket. It looks like another taxpayer-funded vacation for the mayor, and he broke the tie to go. There will be little to no savings for homeowners on insurance to go from a 4 to a 3 rating. Now with all this tax money on the line to fund this you would think Chief Andrews pays his taxes, since that is how he gets paid. But alas like so many others in the city he has been delinquent on his taxes for the years 09, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, & 18. It’s always good to know the man that manages such a large department doesn’t seem capable of managing his own personal business.
The election will soon be upon us and Joseph Mickens is running for chancery clerk. He has no experience in that field and could probably not tell you what they do. He was quoted at the Columbus Exchange club saying, “It’s about can you manage.” Apparently Mr. Mickens can’t manage to pay his taxes either. He has been delinquent on his taxes 2010, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 & 18. He also questioned Chief Shelton if crime is down in the city based on the fact our local prison population is down. The police do a very good job in Columbus despite all they are up against. The real problem is our George Soros-backed, bleeding heart liberal DA Mr. Colom. I was shocked at the number of plea bargains. It seems he leads the pack in offering them. Crime will continue upward. He gets paid with our tax dollars also. He has been delinquent on his taxes for 2017 and 18.
These are our “leaders.” Enjoy your tax increase and vote these guys out!
Kerry Blalock
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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