NEW ORLEANS — Suppose we had an election and almost no one showed up? That could happen this Saturday in New Orleans — and it could raise your taxes.
That’s the topic of this week’s commentary by Eyewitness News Political Analyst and Gambit columnist Clancy DuBos.
We should all respect our elders. But this Saturday’s referendum in New Orleans for a 2-mill property tax for senior services is not the way to help them.
THE ADVOCATE: New Orleans Council on Aging tax proposal brings political, policy debates before voters
It’s a new tax on everyone, including seniors, and it won’t raise enough money to adequately fund senior services. While dedicated to senior services, the proposition doesn’t specify exactly how the additional $6.6 million a year will be spent.
That’s why the mayor and the nonpartisan Bureau of Governmental Research oppose the new tax.
Nothing else is on Saturday’s ballot in New Orleans, so turnout will be very low. That means every vote really counts.
Respecting our elders does not require voting for a tax, especially one that taxes them.