OPINION — In 1980, the Arizona Legislature gave citizens a powerful say in how their local governments grow and spend monies, and that is a very good thing.
Proposition 426 asks you to permanently increase Paradise Valley’s annual expenditure limitation by roughly $20 million, more than a 40% increase over the current budget in spending capacity. I am recommending a no vote. This is not a vote against infrastructure, public safety, responsible municipal services or hiring staff, but in support of fiscal discipline.
The town says Proposition 426 would not raise taxes. True, because we don’t have local taxes to raise. But it misleads the voter and misses the point completely. A spending limit exists for a reason: to impose fiscal discipline and force elected officials to establish priorities. The expenditure limit isn’t the enemy of good government, it’s a safeguard that helps make good government accountable.
