Orlando resident, Martin Paredes, recently blogged about how life in Orlando is so much more wonderful than in El Paso because taxes and fees are lower, which okay I am with him so far.
But then he comes out looking like a jackass saying the reason why taxes and fees are higher in El Paso has to do with corruption.
Where to begin?
Hmmm.
Ah!
Orlando has a population under 300,000. El Paso has double the population with over 650,000.
Want to know how many people visit this city of less than 300,000 on a yearly basis?
Oh more than the combined populations of the state of Texas and New York. And all those people are paying sales tax, hotel taxes, and car rental fees.
Never mind the fact that Orlando is probably a lot more commercial property rich than El Paso.
THAT'S why Orlando is able to do a solid for its residents...it's the out-of-towners that pay.
Nothing wrong with that.
But let's not blame EVERYTHING on corruption, especially tax policy.
Is, or was, there corruption in El Paso? Sure.
Seriously though.
Higher taxes and fees in a Democratic town? No phucking way!!!
Although oddly enough fiscal conservatism in this town has gotten a bad rap because its advocates happen to have been Luther Jones and Co.