Northwest Indiana Discussion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_qQr7pWVGAw

Listening to McCheeze in his May 30th, 2012 presentation to the Hammond Common Council. Hammond's property tax basis in 2004 was $44,000,000. The property tax base now is $28,000,000.

McDermott's prorities?

That is why we have College Bound less than 60 graduates with neary $5,000,000 expended.

Then we have a Legal Clinic @ $250,000 a year for now seven years or is it eight.

And then we have the Festival of the Lakes @ over $1,000,000 a year. Now some believe they know why the Festival of the Lakes continues, could it be that someone is skimming $60,000 to $80,000 of parking fees?

Then lets not forget Mr. Chief of Staff @ $80 an hour.

Then you have the problematic issues established by the Board of Accounts, was it over $11,000,000 in late deposits, paying bills twice, etc., etc.

But no one is looking at the administrative cost, but then again, that is one of Tom's pals.

JCMT, most of the stuff you list has nothing to do with the property tax collected in Hammond. That is all paid for with money from the boat, which can't be used for normal budget items. The admins of the health insurance have been running it longer than McDermott has been mayor. Professional Claims was around when Dedlow was mayor.

Board, obviously, you are much smarter and brighter than i would ever be, but isn't casino money used to reduce property taxes?

Now let's see, if casino money is spent putting up oriental lighting (Higgsism), does that not reduce my tax burden?

And if casino money is used to by squad cars, does that not reduce my tax burden?

And as the original ordinance/law was passed, casino money was to be used specifically for infrastructure improvements/capital improvements. How does the legal clinic, festival of the lakes, political boat floats and the mayor's credit cards legally fit into the use of casino money? But if tax dollars did fund the clinic, festival and boat float, the use of casino money has reduced my tax burden.

And now that you bring that point up, the city, no excuse me Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr has unilaterally changing the health care terms he negotiated in city contracts with the Police and Fire Personnel, and other city employees. Then why hasn't Jr unilaterally changed the contract for the health care administrator? Or can it be that the administrator of that plan may be a contributor to McDermott's campaign?

Casino money/revenue has everything to do with the property tax structure in Hammond!

And by the way, check your facts. Tommie moved the Health Care Administrative contract to a firm reportedly principally owned by Sr. and then Sr. gave the health care administration back to the city.

Interesting topic in an election year.