Denver Metro Young Republicans

From his high throne at City Hall, King John Hickenlooper has declared that the kingdom needs more money. 

Quick economics sidebar: There are two ways to balance a budget: 1) Cut expenses, or 2) Increase revenue.  Guess which of the two King John favors?  You got it: we peasants should be ready to guard our wallets.  Fortunately, Denver subjects will be provided the opportunity to vote against King John’s Issues A-I.  So just how much cash does the Kingdom need?  Only $526.6 million, broken down like this:

1A   $27 million Maintenance fund mill levy
1B   $43.6 million Health and human services
1C   $51.9 million Libraries
1D   $99.8 million Streets, transportation, works
1E   $93.4 million Parks and recreation
1F   $10.4 million Refurbishing city buildings
1G   $60.5 million Refurbishing cultural buildings
1H   $70 million Expansion of cultural facilities
1I    $65 million Public safety

I suppose King John’s request to “Vote Yes on A-I” would be easier for me to take with a straight face if it included only essential city services.  What’s nonessential in the above half a billion dollars you ask?  Excellent question; gold star for you!  Well, for instance, if King John’s subjects approve 1G and 1H, Boettcher Concert Hall will receive a combined $60.7 Million in tax dollars.  We’re told by Denver Councilwoman Carol Boigon that, “Music is an expression of our community, and so, to me, as we look at this as a well-rounded community committed to the life of the mind and spirit as well as the life of the body, the culturals are central.”  Central?  To whom Ms. Boigon?  And more importantly, at what cost?  Before anyone out there makes that move for the moral high ground, take pause because I haven’t overlooked the value of art and music to our city.  Personally, I contribute financially, well used to before this insulting tax attempt, to our Colorado Symphony.  The difference is that my contributions were voluntary donations and not coerced confiscations by elitist politicians who feel they have a right to take and spend my money as they see fit. 

John Wren, House District 5 Republican chairman, mentioned, “I think they better be better stewards of the money they’ve already been given before they do these sob stories and create hysteria.  Taxes going up is a bad thing, and I don’t think the mayor has any conception of that.” I agree Mr. Wren; I don’t believe King John has any conception of that, either – which is likely why his team is running childlike nonsensical campaign commercials with people dressed as large letters raking leaves, painting a house, and performing other yard work.  I suppose it’s easier to stomach when the whole scheme appears to be make believe. 

Does King John really think that the citizens of Denver will be distracted by his rendition of Sesame Street?  Maybe he does.  Look out Denver citizens, or today’s tax increase will be brought to you by the letters A through I.