Mover Mike

Mayor Tom Potter going for two defeats early in his first term, seeks permanent fix to school funding problem by floating the proposal of a regional tax for metro-area schools. According to The Oregonian, spending for the next two years is expected to be be between $5.22 Billion and $5.27 Billion statewide, $300 million more than the last two years.

Multnomah County has a little problem beginning in 2006-2007. A special tax expires at the end of 2005, leaving a $50 Million hole in the state's largest school district budget. I am sure officials are working on bringing the tax up for a vote to extend. However, the tax on a home valued at $300,000, will go down approximately $850 at expiration! How many in Multnomah County will reinstate that amount of tax? The state's largest school district sure could use the $100 Million raised in the county, but shipped to the less fortunate and smaller counties in the state. Where do we get these socialistic ideas:

"From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs!" - Karl Marx

There is even some concern and a question, can you imagine, of exploring whether this regional tax to benefit the metro-area schools, can be assured that all or most of the money stays within the district! How selfish!

No where in the discussion is there an answer to one big question. I understand why Beaverton and Hillsboro need more money for schools. Their school population is exploding. But the population of the state's largest school district has been flat to declining for years. Why do you need more money when the state's largest school district's school board keeps consolidating local schools.

Good luck, Mayor Potter. This is number two for you. What have you got up your sleeve for number three?