Bart Peterson Doesn’t Like Dissent
Come October 1st we fine citizens in Marion County will be burdened with an income tax increase thanks to Mayor Bart Peterson.
Mayor Peterson is always smiles when you see him on TV and he is always optimistic about how the city is being run. Now I understand why.
Peterson is deaf to any dissent
Mayor Bart Peterson sat with Indianapolis Star reporters and editors earlier this summer and said he wasn’t hearing much dissent from the public about his proposed income tax increase.
If he had asked me he would have heard some dissent. I would have told him to stuff his increase and find some fat to cut out of the city budget. Just like the fat that thickens on the top of a cold pot of chicken and dumplings, the fat in a budget can usually be found in the same place.
It’s pretty clear our city’s mayor, a man who has so many admirable qualities, has fallen into a second-term bunker filled with loyal aides convinced all the critics are irrational, partisan or out for blood.
All of that came bursting into the public consciousness Monday evening, as Peterson delivered a defensive and ineffective 2008 budget speech in a room packed with political supporters while ordinary taxpayers were locked out.
Crushing of dissent. Imagine that.
Peterson likes to hear applause when he talks. If you doubt that, go to one of his news conferences. They’re usually packed with a posse of aides from various city government agencies. Their job is to smile and clap for the cameras. It makes you wonder why city lawyers, neighborhood liaisons and other taxpayer-funded employees have enough midday free time to play the role of press conference prop.
Last week, the mayor wanted supporters on hand as he unveiled his budget plan in front of the City-County Council. He didn’t want news coverage to focus on the protesters who have become common at council meetings this summer. But by stacking the room with backers, he got even worse coverage. News stories accurately told the tale of residents locked out by their government.
It is time for this guy to go.