A friend of mine sent me a picture taken from the Antioch Herald yesterday of Assembly District 11 Candidate Mike Hudson’s latest ad in the paper. I thought to myself, great, its a big picture of Mike Hudson. I was then encouraged to look closer at the text when I saw just how illogical his statement to voters is.
The ad below reads:
“California needs a balanced budget amendment. Stop harming our cities and schools by taking money they need for police, firefighters, and teachers. Do not burden our children with borrowing for today’s expenses. “
Click to enlarge
Ignoring the fact Hudson is speaking about police, fire, and teachers, none of them actually endorse his candidacy, in fact, his own Suisun City Police Association didn’t even endorse him but rather his opponent Jim Frazier, but I shall digress.
The problem with the ad is a balanced budget amendment would have little effect on police and firefighters because a majority of those funds come from property taxes. When times are good, no problem! When times are bad like today, additional revenue needs to be created which is why we have parcel taxes on the ballot.
For example, when East Contra Costa Fire Protection receives 95% of its funding from property taxes, a balanced budget won’t help recover the money in any economy. Contra Costa County Fire Protection District over the hill is funded by nearly 90% of its revenue by property taxes, a balanced budget won’t protect those funds either. I could go onto police and teachers, but you get the point.
Trying to compare property tax revenue to a balanced budget is somewhat illogical which makes this ad misleading and rather silly. Just think about it and smile.
5 comments
The Antioch Herald is such a ring wing paper that its the Tea Party folks talking to themselves over there. This ad is on par for that paper. I usually just toss it in the garbage.
Should say right wing
Hudson has no chance, why waste your time on him?
I am guessing Mr. Hudson needs a lesson in how police and fire are funded. It hasn’t changed in 30 years. As usual, this guy is out in left field rambling his philisphoical nonsense. Debate the issue, but dont lie about it.
Thats such a right wing paper who cares! Hudson is only talking to himself.
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