On the surface, anything that takes a step towards property tax relief for the beleaguered homeowner seems like a good thing. Who wouldn’t support a check against the never ending rise in taxes. But, you can’t have policy decisions created in a vacuum and where Rell’s proposal falls short is exactly along the lines of not thinking about the realities outside the old Hoover thinking.

The problem with Hartford telling towns the maximum that they could raise taxes is that it would pit the various mandates that Hartford imposes, like the state Educational mandates, at an unfair advantage over the things a municipality might like to do. To meet a proposed 3% cap would lead to fierce budget battles pitting schools versus other municipal services, battles we already see now.

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Soon digging for quarters to feed the parking meters in SoNo will be joined by a new payment option, a special issued parking payment card. Finally! And word, according to the Hour, is that other parking areas may get the option too. From the Hour:

The debit cards will hold $25 in value and deduct that amount in 25-cent increments. Parking Authority members say the cards will offer motorists convenience.

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In keeping with the spirit of the season, and perhaps evoking his doppleganger, at least according to an earlier illustrative comment, Council member Doug Hempstead is urging people to volunteer their time, energy and experience to help out, not just the city, but the many non profits in the area that could use some help. From the Hour:

More government recruiting sessions aimed at landing resumes for service on city boards and commission are in the works.

This time, however, Common Councilman Douglas E. Hempstead wants to cast a wider net by encouraging residents to also submit their resumes for work with local nonprofit organizations.

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