Will the tax man survive?

Tim Bubb was one of two county commissioners who voted to increase the sales tax without voter approval. When he and Commissioner Doug Smith agreed to make an end-run on constituents they were playing the game of political chicken. That game bets the politician's career that voters' memories are so short that they won't remember next election day that they've been stiffed.

Doug Smith won the first round of political chicken when he got re-elected. Likely Tim will win his too. Nevertheless ...

Til the end of time, I will see it as my civic duty to remind voters when Tim or Doug run for commissioner of the way in which the two of them increased taxes without voter approval. It is still offensive to me that they did this, and I remember it every time I think of local sales taxes and particularly when I pay for big-ticket items.

On Tuesday, when voters select their party's candidates, they would do well to review what each of them has to say about this matter. The Voter's Guide available on the Advocate web site reports how each of them answer the question: "Do you agree with the decision to increase the sales tax two years ago without voter input? Would you consider eliminating it?"

What candidates say predicts with great accuracy how they feel about the management of public money. When they answer the question directly and to your liking, then place your bet. If they talk around the issue, or don't answer it, or blow off more political hyperbole then you deserve what you get if you vote for them.