Fiscal Tsunami

Mike Jarjura recently won re-election as the mayor of Waterbury, CT. During his campaign he promised the citizens of Waterbury that he would not raise taxes in 2010. It appears that he will keep that promise, but look out for 2011.

The local paper today reported that Waterbury faces a rather bleak fiscal future. Budget shortfalls in the amounts of 28 million in 2011, 47.9 million in 2012, and 68.5 million in 2013. The taxpayers could face tax increases in the amounts 6.7 mills, 3.5 mills, and 3.2 mills respectively. An alternative to these tax increases would be to cut spending.

The paper reported that Mayor Jarjura is developing a target list to identify areas to be cut. He will no doubt place organized labor at the top of his list as these groups are his usual scapegoats. The hard working men and women of the City of Waterbury will no doubt have to shoulder the burden of balancing the city's budget.

Mayor Jarjura should target the system of cronyism that exists in the city. Influential individuals who own property should be taxed on the value of that property (Drubner). Those who were hired to oversee economic development should be doing the job they were hired for (Rowland). I am sure this is just the tip of the iceberg. If we look hard enough we would find other examples of backroom deals occurring. Neither the taxpayers nor the city workers should have to pay the price to solve the problems created by the Jarjura administration.