The hints and allegations of true sales tax support
By C.T. BOWEN
Published November 23, 2003
You Can Call Me Al, Paul Simon's 1986 song from the landmark Graceland album, keeps running through my head.
Al was the public face of the Pasco Sheriff's Office this week. Col. Al Nienhuis, second in command at the agency, stood before county commissioners Tuesday because Sheriff Bob White was out of town.
Under prodding from newly seated Commission Chairman Peter Altman, Nienhuis did what his boss hasn't - showed some enthusiasm toward the idea of using sales tax proceeds to help outfit the Sheriff's Office.
Under the plan to raise the tax from 6 to 7 percent, one-fifth of the county share of the 10-year tax's proceeds would go toward public safety. The Sheriff's Office would receive millions to accelerate replacement of marked patrol vehicles and purchase 50 computers for its detective division. The $29-million public safety program also includes two new fire stations, eight fire trucks and eight ambulances.
Though the sheriff hasn't commented on the specifics - the list came out just 10 days ago - he previously has been noncommittal in public toward the so-called Penny for Pasco.
"All along along, there were incidents and accidents. There were hints and allegations."
Nienhuis offered the first hint Tuesday.
"As far as how the money is spent we have no strong objections," he said.
Hardly a ringing endorsement. But, after Altman's blandishment, here was the bigger endorsement.
"This plan as far as patrol cars and mobile computers (is) excellent. We are very excited," said Nienhuis.
It is the strongest statement to date from the Sheriff's Office supporting the proposed tax increase.
Oh sure, there had been incidents and accidents.
A member of the sheriff's command staff, Capt. Alan Weinstein, is on the citizens group supporting the proposed Penny for Pasco. But Weinstein's involvement is tied to preservation of environmentally sensitive land; he isn't on the panel to champion public safety. Still, the sheriff could have put the kibosh on Weinstein's involvement if he had found it politically unappealing.
We just wish the sheriff would see the same political appeal. The tax, if approved by voters, will help to build schools and roads, preserve land and bolster public safety.
"I need a photo opportunity. I want a shot at redemption."
He could be talking to the sheriff. Forget the hints and allegations. Climb on board. Supporting the sales tax would display genuine leadership.
"Who'll be my role model, now that my role model is gone, gone?"
Commissioner Pat Mulieri can fill that duty. Reticent to support the tax in the past, she proclaimed her intentions to vote for the Penny for Pasco during a public meeting two months ago. By doing so, she met no resistence this week when she proposed using some of the sales tax proceeds for one of her own pet projects - the purchase of portable defibrillators for public buildings and senior centers.
With little discussion, her colleagues agreed to bump five sheriff's patrol cars and instead acquire 70 of the machines for use in emergency cardiac arrest cases.
If you'll be my bodyguard, I can be your long lost pal.
The sentinel of political bodyguards already is in place. Fiscal conservatives Mulieri, state Reps. Heather Fiorentino and Ken Littlefield and the four Republican county commissioners are supporting the sales tax increase.
Besides, the arguments keep deflating. The release of the public safety data, like the school district spending plan before it, is meant to offer precise information about how the tax will be used. The county is expected to follow suit next month with its list of road projects.
Skeptics can't continue to rationalize their objections by saying they didn't know where the money is going. Some will object just because a tax increase goes against their political ilk.
For the others, there's always the road traveled by Al who finally figures things out.
He looks around, around. He sees angels in the architecture. Spinning in infinity.
