When President George W. Bush announced his budget plan recently, the hue and cry from every element of government was deafening at best. Kleenex, Puffs and other tissue makers had a field day.
The politicians are now jumping all over themselves trying to stay clear of the inevitable, that being the need to tighten up on our spending lust.
Democrats generally have their own plan which ultimately leads to raising taxes and blaming the Republicans for cutting taxes for the rich. Such scare tactics are not going to fly this time around. Average citizens want tax relief, and they will support those who campaign on tax reform as the solution.
Those politicians who are crying the most must have blinders on. The U.S. economy is heading in an upward direction, new home construction is at an all-time high. Minnesota, in particular, is showing economic strength, particularly in northeastern Minnesota with a resurgence of mining and manufacturing. A new hotel complex in downtown Duluth would accommodate a growing tourist and convention surge. Our retail base remains strong.
Continued growth in the Twin Ports metro area, is showing strength that ultimately provides ongoing stability to the city of Duluth. But 'tis true, mounting budget deficits are a serious plague that must be addressed. The red flag has been waving for many years now without serious attention.
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Such tax relief has to be done carefully and skillfully. Why? We have had runaway spending in every unit of government for years on end.
About two weeks ago Howie Hanson, editor and publisher of the Twin Ports People, did an interview with Karl Nollenberger, a former city of Duluth and St. Louis County administrator. Nollenberger left Duluth in 1998 seeking greener pastures. He is very talented and did a great job for Duluth and St. Louis County, but his comments sounded an alarm worth sharing with Budgeteer readers. He said, "The Minnesota salary cap legislation for public officials is creating a brain drain in the public administration field in the state."
When he left the city he was making $98,000 annually in salary plus retirement benefits. In just a few years, his salary was $180,000 elsewhere in a similar position. And to this I say, "Good for you, Karl. Your talents certainly contributed to your continuing success."
But let's get real here. Many city of Duluth officials are making more than $100,000 annually and the fringe benefits set aside can make their retirement years very, very comfortable. How much can we afford to pay these people?
That's the question that city councilors, county commissioners and state legislators have to address and share with their constituents. The salary alone is only part of the package. The benefits after retirement are seldom addressed but are significant.
I only bring up the salary issue as a barometer. Elected officials today, at all levels, look at the financial advantages of public service rather than the contributions they can make to help our community progress within reasonable budget constraints. I honestly believe shaving the costs of government is a much better way than raising taxes, blindsiding the real issues facing a weary public.
We have to stop supporting big spender politicians who promise the moon, knowing full well the extra costs will be hidden and shared by unconcerned citizens who deserve better.
Dick Palmer is the former editor and publisher of the Budgeteer News. He may be reached by telephone at 729-6470 or by
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e-mail at rpalmer@duluth.com .
