Vote NO on Collier's Sales Tax Increase!

I don't know about you, but living in this county is getting more and more grim each day.  The fact that we have voted in Commissioners and hired government staff that continuously go against the will of the people just blows my mind.  And many are my friends! 

Over the many years, over a decade now, I have been much involved with future parks, roads, and developments in support of the people. But now it all seems to have been a complete waste of my time. I am a positive upbeat person that absolutely loves living here, but every time I try to help move things along, voice my opinion, support projects, I am simply shunned and ignored. Sure, I still get phone calls by news stations as to what my thoughts are, but so what. Our government will continue to push in the direction they see fit.  And personally, I don't get it.  They do work for us you know!

So now most of you will finally realize why I am not in those meetings anymore and have since resigned from a couple of boards. It had become much to contentious and repetitious year after year after year.  So I figured it's best to focus on my family and have a life.😊

Now this sales tax increase headed to the ballot this coming November. That comes with a $420 million dollar price tag. 😧  A 1% increase to all of us taxpayers for the next 7 years which supposedly is going to sunset 7 years later.  Yeah, when that 7 years is up, I am sure they will find more to tackle on and continue with an endless 7% tax base.

These are the most recent articles on this whole $420 million dollar price tag of endless projects that could easily be funded the right way. Through impact fees.  If not that, then no project should even be on the table.

The first article back in January had NDN announcing the increase passing 4-1 with our District 5 Commissioner who opposed it, thankfully.

https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/local/2018/01/23/collier-commissioners-lay-out-plan-spending-420-million-sales-tax-hike-up-november-vote/1058350001/

The second article in March gives you a better perspective and how they plan to spend the money.  Of course, I have my two cents on that one in the comments box.

https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/local/2018/03/27/collier-county-sends-sales-tax-increase-referendum-november-ballot/461502002/

Read that, and if you didn't get to the comment section of that article, you should.  I am not the only one disappointed, especially with growth exploding everywhere and impact fees pouring in like a waterfall of money.

This was my comment to the article;
 "What a total joke! You think we want to tax ourselves 1%?  For what?  Oh, let me guess...GREED! Collier County, you need to get over yourself.  What ever happened to growth pays for growth? And would I love to see the breakdown of each impact fee pot from the past 10 years just for chits and giggles. Sadly too taxpayers, you just watch; If this does not pass, your property taxes will pay for it. It's already in discussion."

Colleen Rucker comments;
"In real life, we decide what we need and then figure out how we're going to pay for it. Not so any more in Collier, apparently. We now decide how much we'll raise by taxing people and then scheme about the best ways to divvy up the newfound wealth. This is disgusting and a dark turn for this county."

Scott Friel writes;
"Wait, Collier County blocks medical marijuana, an industry that will create jobs, and you are asking for a 1% tax increase on purchases? Go fu*k yourselves."

Lastly, below is the most recent article which clearly shows Commissioner Donna Fiala also opposing. Last month she rescinded her vote due to the fact she felt this was an unfair and why should taxpayers pay for a $33 million dollar forensic lab at our local FSW campus for the Sheriff's office. I agree, that should be placed on the school boards lap, or even our Sheriff's office.

https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/government/2018/04/24/collier-sales-tax-increase-head-ballot/545756002/ 

So all in all, it boils down to money and greed.  Yes, there are some clear and good understandings of many of the infrastructure projects, but in my eyes, it must come from impact fees. So PLEASE, vote NO on this November ballot.  Personally, I don't even understand how it's even making it to the ballot when 2 of the 5 Commissioners disagree to it.  Anything that goes to our ballot should clearly be a unanimous vote. Right?