Ward: The City of Toledo should uphold the property rights of citizens…
This in via e-mail from City Council Candidate Stephen Ward:
Ward Issues Statement On Parking Legislation
Toledo, OH – City Council passed legislation amending section 351.07 of the Toledo Municipal Code. This legislation does not change the law that parking in the grass in the front, side, or back yard of your property is illegal.
Ward asserts, “Government exist to serve the people, but the current administration continues to make decisions that not only hurt the citizens of Toledo, but also encourages people to refrain from relocating into Toledo.”
The city of Toledo is currently facing a deficit of $8.9 million dollars and must find ways to balance the budget.
Ward states, “Government has no business dictating to homeowners where they can and cannot park on their own property. The city of Toledo should uphold the property rights of the citizens. Furthermore, if the city of Toledo must enforce this Municipal Code than it should be enforced to everyone, and not just in a selected neighborhood. In addition, why is this Municipal Code just now being enforced? The city of Toledo should not use this law as a way to generate revenue to close the budget deficit. Many residents have already felt the pain of a fragile economy, and are struggling to make it from day to day. Now is not the time for the city of Toledo to add additional stress on the people whom they should be serving.”
“Enough is enough. I say NO to the trash fee increase. I say NO to cutting the 100 percent tax credit given to Toledo residents who work and pay taxes in another locale. I say NO to issuing $12.2 million in bonds to purchase 40 automated garbage trucks, which would be paid for through the city’s general fund. The best way to balance the budget is to use common sense, and stop spending!”
Stephen Ward is the City Council candidate that believes in taking a Servant Leadership approach to government. He believes that government exist to serve the people. Stephen Ward is the only council candidate that has been consistent with the message protecting the best interest of the people.
Ward does touch on an important issue in Toledo. The city no doubt suffers from its lack of respect for personal property. I’m not speaking of tangible property only (houses, lawn, driveways, etc) but people’s earnings as well.
Business thrives in an environment of predictability. Ideally one that respects the property rights of others. The fickle nature of council creates damaging uncertainty. The almost constant call to raise the “trash fee” and income tax (among others) is not reassuring to entrepreneurs or corporations.
Who would want (business or individual) to invest in an area that regularly lays claim to your resources or increases your costs on a whim?
August 6th, 2009 at 11:03 am