A Wasillan on Caribou Barbie

[Popeye]

This is was posted in the comments section on the Washington Independent by Alaskan and Wasilla resident Anne Kilkenny. Though most of what Kilkenny says has been put out there before, particularly Palin leaving Wasilla $20 million in debt, it's interesting how it contrasts with the GOP trying to tout her as a fiscal conservative.

“Sarah campaigned in Wasilla as a “fiscal conservative”. During her 6 years as Mayor, she increased general government expenditures by over 33%. During those same 6 years the amount of taxes collected by the City increased by 38%.

This was during a period of low inflation (1996-2002). She reduced progressive property taxes and increased a regressive sales tax which taxed even food. The tax cuts that she promoted benefited large corporate property owners way more than they benefited residents. The huge increases in tax revenues during her mayoral administration weren’t enough to fund everything on her wish list though, borrowed money was needed, too. She inherited a city with zero debt, but left it with indebtedness of over $22 million.”

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/09/an-wasillan-on.html

 

[Not Amused]

This is was posted in the comments section on the Washington Independent by Alaskan and Wasilla resident Anne Kilkenny. Though most of what Kilkenny says has been put out there before, particularly Palin leaving Wasilla $20 million in debt, it's interesting how it contrasts with the GOP trying to tout her as a fiscal conservative.



http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/09/an-wasillan-on.html

This, if accurate is rather disturbing.

 

[BigRob]

This is was posted in the comments section on the Washington Independent by Alaskan and Wasilla resident Anne Kilkenny. Though most of what Kilkenny says has been put out there before, particularly Palin leaving Wasilla $20 million in debt, it's interesting how it contrasts with the GOP trying to tout her as a fiscal conservative.



http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/09/an-wasillan-on.html

Here are a few facts you omitted:

1) The sales tax rate in Wasilla is 2.5%. Quite low.

2) There is no property tax charged for residents who live in the city.


Now, you mention increased government spending and tax revenue collected, but you did not mention actual tax rates. Under President Bush, we saw tax revenue increase after he enacted his tax cuts....

When this occurs you have more money for spending, but taxes have not been raised.

You further point out that Palin left the city with 22 million in debt. And she did leave the city with 22 million in liabilities, but she also left the city with a greatly expanded 100 million dollar budget that was resulting a surplus yearly and could easily pay down on the debt.