This week, every Morgan Hill resident received a glossy flyer in the mail from the city urging us to vote for a new tax on our water, gas, electricity, phone, cable, sewage and garbage. The city says that this is a “general tax” that is “necessary for the city’s financial health.” Both statements are outright lies.
On the face of the flyer is a large photo of a Morgan Hill police badge. As anyone who follows local politics knows, the true purpose of this deceit is to hire seven more police officers. The city council voted 5-0 to put this on the ballot as a general measure because they believe it would make it easier to sneak it past the voters.
The population of Morgan Hill is around 40,000, most of whom are relatively affluent suburban commuters who work in Silicon Valley. The downtown area is two moribund blocks where less than a dozen restaurants and bars eke out an existence amid “For Rent” signs.
The only other gathering area for potential miscreants is the bowling alley, which is minutes from the new police station. Come to think of it, everywhere in Morgan Hill is minutes from everywhere else. There are already over thirty police officers patrolling this vast metropolis, including a dedicated motorcycle cop on a mission to best his own previous record for number of tickets written in a single day. Now they want to add seven more? What would forty police officers do in this little town? I can tell you how my household will be voting on this measure.
The cost of gas and electricity is at an all time high and will continue to rise. Have you noticed how much you are paying for natural gas lately? In addition, the Santa Clara Valley Water District is hiking its prices yet again to pay for its own bloated infrastructure. And now, on top of all that, we are being asked to pay another two percent on every utility.
If this measure goes through, be aware that whenever you use the phone, internet and television, or take a shower, run the dishwasher and flush the toilet, some of your hard-earned and already highly-taxed money is swirling down that drain to better police the mean streets of Morgan Hill. Is there really a crime tsunami waiting to happen, or is this tax the real crime?
Sean Kenny is the author of four novels and numerous essays. Born and raised in Ireland, he pursued a career in high tech which eventually led him to Silicon Valley. His most recent novel, The Memory Trap, was inspired by a stint at Apple. He is currently one of the founders and CEO of Fresco Solar, a renewable energy company that has installed the first wind turbine in Morgan Hill.
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- on 09/29/2008
Mr Kenny, With all due respect, the Council did not vote 5-0 to put this on the ballot as a general tax measure. I should know, I cast the dissenting vote against it. Before publishing, you should make sure you have your facts straight.
- on 09/18/2008
Someone needs a serious reality check! Why don't you take a little stroll behind Britton. Or better yet, attend one of our High Schools or even the Middle school for a week, and then make those statements about the crime in Morgan Hill. If you stepped out of your sheltered life for a moment you might actually see that there is a serious gang problem in our city and you would be astonished by the amount of drug problems. You should probably consider leaving your house with your eyes open before you post such strong objections!
