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Taxes fuel battle over the charter

While some citizens don't like the situation, it appears the action is all legal and aboveboard.

By CRISTINA SILVA
Published October 25, 2006

Pinellas cities have spent thousands of tax dollars on signs, fliers, and banners urging residents to vote against a county charter amendment that would give the county greater authority.

"Vote no" signs have sprouted like mushrooms in recent weeks, appearing in magnetic form on police cars and city trucks, on fliers stuffed into utility bills, and on banners outside city halls.

In response, the county budgeted $150,000 for its own education campaign and "Vote Yes" brochures.

The efforts of both sides have angered many residents, who don't want their tax money used to tell them how to vote. Government officials argue that they are charged with spending tax dollars for the community's good, and that can mean educating voters on issues that will affect them.

The dispute has raised a number of questions over what is fair and what is legal. There is no state statute that addresses if or how a city can use tax dollars for political advertisements.

While it may be legal, the practice of using public money to advocate for ballot measures certainly isn't ethical, said Dominic M. Calabro, president of Florida TaxWatch, a nonprofit research institute based in Tallahassee.

"Whether you agree with the charter amendment or not, the more you keep the money of hard earned taxpayers away from political issues, the better off the citizens are," he said.

The seven amendments in question address county home rule. Cities argue that the amendments usurp their power and deprive citizens of their voice. The county thinks they will streamline government.

Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard started Pinellas Cities for Home Rule, a political action committee opposed to the amendment changes, in August. The group has raised $135,000 as of its last report, mostly from city coffers.

Of the 24 cities in Pinellas County, only Indian Rocks Beach has not donated money to Hibbard's group.

"Our legal departments believe we have the authority do an education campaign," he said. "When you sit down and talk to citizens and explain what is at stake, almost universally they understand why we oppose it."

County and city officials point to a 1991 Florida Supreme Court case that allows public officials to promote passage of ballot questions they feel are in the public interest.

People Against Tax Revenue Mismanagement Inc. vs. County of Leon involved a complaint that public money, county office equipment and public employees were used to support the passage of a local-option tax.

Barring such behavior "would render government feckless," the ruling said.

St. Petersburg City Council Chairman Bill Foster said it is his job to inform voters. The St. Petersburg council has donated about $40,000 to the Pinellas Cities for Home Rule, he said.

"We would be derelict in our duties if we didn't tell our citizens," he said. "So I'm sorry if people are offended, but we have to do this."

Many residents think differently.

David McKalip, a St. Petersburg resident, said he was "floored" when he opened his utility bill last week to find a flier with Mayor Rick Baker's face and letter urging residents to "Vote No."

"It is another example of a waste of tax dollars," said McKalip, president of the citizens group Cut Taxes Now. "It is completely inappropriate that the government spends taxpayer dollars on political campaigns without asking the voters for their opinions." Cristina Silva can be reached at 727 893-8846 or csilva@sptimes.com.

[Last modified October 25, 2006, 00:34:07]