During the past several years Wilmington streets have become noticeably rougher for drivers and their vehicles. I’ve driven down some upstate New York stony streambeds that weren’t much worse. And probably Laura Padgett and other council members blame us non-city residents for the wear and tear.
Could it be that the big-spenders have neglected the streets (and what about the city sewer system?) and diverted millions of dollars to self-serving, grandiose downtown projects—schemes that benefit a few at the expense of many thousands of taxpayers and drivers? Nah, they couldn’t be that corrupt…could they?
Incidentally, we outsiders help pay for all this every time we make purchases within the city limits by paying sales taxes. We and city residents have all paid our “fair-share” that should have been used to repair infrastructure rather than spent on projects unrelated to proper government functions. Instead, the city council has chosen to “invest” the public’s money in real estate—an extension of the personal business of some council members and their cohort beneficiaries.
Adding insults to their immoral injury, city council will now increase residents’ property taxes—to pay for their negligent behavior— “$41 million for infrastructure repairs,” according to a Wilmington StarNews article by Julian March. But it’s worse than just the total cost. (link)
Mr. March reports that more than 25 percent of these taxes will fund more “parks improvements,” “public facilities” and “riverfront” upgrades. In fact, only half ($21 million) of the taxed money will be used “specifically for street rehabilitation.” How’s that for return on “investment”?
It’s puzzling why city taxpayers tolerate the irresponsible doings of the city council and its downtown interests. Do we need more evidence as to why the county residents and business owners in the Monkey Junction area fought long and hard to prevent being forced to pay higher taxes to support the schemes of these unprincipled people?
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