I sent the following e-mail to Glendale Councilman David Goulet regarding the recently passed resolution in support of Governor Jan Brewer's budget proposal.  I intend to follow this up with a phone call today.

Dear Councilman Goulet:

I have heard a news report that the Glendale City Council has voted for a resolution supporting Governor Jan Brewer's budget proposal, including a ballot initiative for a 1 cent increase in the state sales tax.  I understand that it would be a hardship on Glendale's taxpayers if the state government were to shift some of its responsibilities and costs to county and city governments.  On the other hand, I believe that in the long run Arizona's counties and cities would be money ahead if the state government would substantially cut spending and taxes, and allow local governments to decide what programs they need and can afford themselves. 

I think that the state government has done a very poor job of managing the taxpayers' money.  Maybe county and city governments would do better if they got the chance.  There is no way that I would support any tax increase as long as the problem of illegal aliens remains unresolved, and as long as the state insists on squandering literally billions of dollars every year on ineffective and ridiculously expensive public schools. 

Raising taxes is not the answer.  Cutting foolish, inappropriate spending is. I hope the Glendale City Council will rescind the resolution in favor of Governor Brewer's proposed tax increase.  Please let me know your views on this matter.

Sincerely,

John Lyon