This was the headline in The News & Observer Monday:

“Taxes, fees on the rise in Triangle.”

This is why progressive Democrats need to look before they leap.

The story added:

“Raleigh gets a double whammy from the city and Wake County.”

This is where polls can fool you. A quick-and-dirty poll could lead you to think Raleigh voters are all for the various tax and fee increases being discussed – for schools, for city water and for city taxes.

But I saw something different in polls last year. Almost all the intensity of feeling was AGAINST taxes and spending.

If the City Council is not careful this year, it will gift-wrap a strategy for a less-progressive candidate next year. His message would be:

“School bonds. School taxes. Higher water fees. Higher garbage fees. Hundreds of millions of dollars downtown for a civic center, parking deck and hotel subsidy. A billion dollars for a light rail boondoggle. Had enough?

“It’s time somebody stood up to the big spenders in City Hall. Elect me and I’ll do it.”

It could work.

Click to Read & Post Comments