TARA passed a resolution in support of elected officials who take a stance on tax reductions in light of current local events.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
"We value and appreciate the service the men and women of the Tulsa
Police Department and Tulsa Fire Department provide to keep our families
and our property safe. However, due to the economic downturn, many
Tulsans have had their pay reduced by their employer, and many have been
laid off. Therefore, the Tulsa Area Republican Assembly expresses its
opposition to tax increases, including a tax increase to fund public
safety (police and fire). We support and commend Republican elected
officials who by their actions show that they are also opposed to tax
increases. We reprimand and admonish Republican elected officials who by
their actions show that they support tax increases."
TARA passed a resolution Against the Broken Arrow School Bond Issue up for election on Dec.8, 2009.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
WHEREAS the Broken Arrow School Board is bringing forth a$295 million bond issue (The largest in Oklahoma state history) to the votersin that school district to pay for over 2 dozen separate projects, including anindoor football practice arena, text books, and other materials that are eithernot prudent or will become obsolete before the 9 year bond expires (“everyschool gets something”)
AND WHEREAS this bond issue is the largest in Oklahoma state history,more than double the size of a similar issue in Owasso that is being used forcomparison
AND WHEREAS this bond issue will leave no room over the next9 years for any other school or municipal priorities to be proposed by askingthe tax payers to fund them in case of emergency
AND WHEREAS the current economic climate leaves little roomin many citizens household budgets for additional community expenditures
AND GIVING CONSIDERATION TO the fact that some of theprojects may very well be needed
BE IT RESOLVED by the Tulsa Area Republican Assembly thatthis bond issue being brought to vote on December 8, 2009 is irresponsible and werecommend that the voters in the Broken Arrow SchoolDistrict vote AGAINST the proposed bond issue.
That said, if there are priorities that are needed, the BASchools should bring them up one at a time in smaller issues to allow thecitizens of Broken Arrowto digest these projects as the economy improves.