Comments on: How reasonable individuals discuss tax policy

By: Creative Loafing Atlanta » Fresh Loaf » Blog Archive » Atlanta blogs today: Favorite comments

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 15:01:32 +0000

[...] Springs, attempts a “These aren’t the droids you’re looking for” when he suggests that a state tax system overhaul proposed by Speaker Glenn Richardson puts power in the hands of [...]

By: Harry

Harry — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:50:06 +0000

EEhrhart is no way fat, but have you seen some of those state employees?

Sorry.

By: eehrhart

eehrhart — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 12:20:06 +0000

In the interest of injecting some humor to the debate on this blog:

There does come a time when some go to far and the “FAT” comment just wont do.

Any time you want a footrace DB I will be glad to oblige you.

By: eehrhart

eehrhart — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 12:15:37 +0000

Indy,

I have offered time and again to involve you in the process and you have yet to take me up on that offer.

The process is continuing and if you want to participate please contact me as the offer is still open.

We are working with people from local governments across the state every day on this and they are contributing.

By: dingleberry

dingleberry — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:12:22 +0000

Quit asking questions to Earl Ehrhart. Besides Glenn Richardson, Fat Earl is the biggest moron under the gold dome. He won’t answer any question that can’t be answered without a soundbite. Quit trying. He has no idea how to have a “reasonable conversation” about anything. He’s a middle-aged, disgruntled partisan boot-licker.

By: Chris Farris

Chris Farris — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 22:34:09 +0000

Recent facts show that the state is increasing at a 26% rate two points below the inflation rate of 28%, while counties are at 40%, cities at 69% and school systems at 98%. Now who again is the responsible steward?

28% Inflation? When did Jimmy Carter become president again?

By: cheapseats

cheapseats — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 22:34:04 +0000

and I still want to hear how this is not going to hurt Georgia businesses – especially retail and especially those located within 50 miles of a state border – which, BTW, is a helluvalot of this state.

answers?

Georgians are not really as stupid as the House leadership hopes they are. And, the Senate is most definitely NOT on board with this idea and I got that from Eric himself!

By: dorian

dorian — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 22:21:47 +0000

Ever noticed when the tough questions get asked, no one is around to answer? All this proposal is is tax reform by sound byte. All sizzle and no steak.

By: IndyInjun

IndyInjun — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 22:11:02 +0000

Reasonable people discuss tax policy based upon an evolving BUT PUBLISHED (IN SOME FORM OR FASHION) set of overall principles and specific provisions.

Right now all we have is some broad notion of “tax reform” based upon replacing Property taxes with sales tax and little else.

But then, putting forth something definitive like HRes 900 gives legitimate targets to shoot at. Therefore the politically ’savvy’ way to proceed is to keep the specifics “under the hat” so as to preserve plausible deniability.

This process should have been open and up front. It started that way and devolved into something else. It is not too late to put it back on track, but probably not before 2009.

Across the state, folks welcome tax reform but tend to shoot thieves in the night.

Put this process in the daylight, Mr. Erhart!

After all, your new allies in ACCG are asking the same courtesy when it was stated ….”We

By: dorian

dorian — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 21:11:25 +0000

Isn’t it funny when they are asked to prove this mysterious 80% polling figure, they can’t or won’t? I’ve asked him several times, and it’s either 1) i’ll get back to you with that, or 2) call my office, or 3)just ignored. I’ll believe it when they produce it. And, for that matter, isn’t there some sort of scientific principle that says if you can’t reproduce a result it isn’t verifiable and thus, meaningless? This poll is like the cold fusion of their political world.

By: Rusty

Rusty — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 20:58:53 +0000

Rep. Ehrhart,
If the Legislature proposed a constitutional amendment to replace the three branches of government with a monarchy, and voters approved it, would you consider that an exercise in local control?

By: Icarus

Icarus — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 20:56:37 +0000

Rep Ehrhart,

Controlling the locals is not what I mean by local control.

By: eehrhart

eehrhart — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 20:48:05 +0000

Icarus that is why what we are doing is the true local control.
You stated that you wanted to make your case to them for the spending.
What we are suggesting is that they have to make the case to YOU for the spending. Putting the power of the spending in the hands of the true local control, the taxpayer.

We disagree on wether it will lose. 80% issues just do not turn around like that in my experience. Even if it does then we have let the people decide it.

By: dorian

dorian — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 20:39:33 +0000

Update: I can confirm that I took a new poll that says 100% of those polled are against the GREAT tax.

By: Icarus

Icarus — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 20:37:46 +0000

Actually, Rep Ehrhardt, I meet with my Rep and Senator frequently, and we have met as well. And yes, you are accessable. But you don’t represent me.

When it comes time to decide how much money my school board gets, and my fire department gets, and my police department gets, and I want to make my case for why my county needs more than the state formula allows, I’m sure you would be polite and receptive, but I doubt we’ll get any more money.

My local school board, however, has to see me on a regular basis to tell me what they’re doing with my tax money. Same for the commissioners.

I ask you again to think back when we were the minority party, for two reasons. One, we didn’t think the state was equitable in their distribution of funds then. And two, if this passes and is put to a vote, it will not only lose, but the direct mail generated from it against Republians for a statewide power grab will probably send us back to that minority status.

By: eehrhart

eehrhart — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 20:32:59 +0000

Constitutional amendments do not require the governors signature.

We will just have to see what the Senate does as many leaders in that body are supportive of the plan.

As for the poll question, it was not phrased that way and that is a fact.

I will paraphrase the question which was similar to this:

“Would you support the elimination of the property tax if there were an increase in the sales tax of approx 1%”

Hardly a question begging an answer. It was purposefully designed to add to the negative response by including the tax increase language.

By: dorian

dorian — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 20:30:04 +0000

You keep mentioning these polls. Where are they? Is there any independent verification? Personally, I think they polled republican members of the house from urban areas of the state. I could step out right now and come back in about 5 minutes with a poll that says 100% are against it.

By: eehrhart

eehrhart — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 20:28:38 +0000

Well Icarus I have coffee each week with constituents also. Meet me at the waffle house sometime. I bet I am more accesible than most locals.

Most state legislators are elected by much smaller constituencies than county commissioners and school board members.

Are you represented by a rep who is not available?

By: Rusty

Rusty — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 20:26:34 +0000

Rep. Ehrhart,
How it plays depends entirely on how the question is phrased. A poll that asks “do you think taxes suck?” will register a 99 percent “hell yeah!” every time. A poll that asks “should the state take over our schools” will register pretty close to the same in the opposite direction.

I believe the Speaker’s proposal to be a blatant power grab, and I am confident the voters of Georgia would strike it down if it came to that. I’m sure you know a few things I don’t since I can only go by what I read on blogs and newspapers, but appearances would indicate you and the Speaker don’t have the support of the Governor or the Lt. Governor.

Good luck passing anything if they’re not on board.

By: Icarus

Icarus — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 20:17:07 +0000

The fear that I have is politicians in Atlanta thinking they know what I want and need better than the school board chairman and county commissioners that I can meet and have coffee with weekly if I so desire.