COUNCILMAN’S CORNER
I hope every reader of this column is having a great summer. I’d like for you to take a moment to think about an important “summer” issue that hasn’t received much publicity recently. The dry weather has held down the mosquito population but as soon as we have one or two significant rainstorms the mosquitoes will likely become a significant problem. Mosquitoes can carry viruses such as the West Nile Virus and various encephalitis viruses which can become very deadly. I recently spoke with a Waynedale resident who lost a teenage grandson to encephalitis. This was a terrible tragedy as anyone—especially parents and grandparents—would agree. Now is a good time to think preventatively regarding mosquitoes. Make sure that you eliminate sources of stagnant water on your property including ponds, clogged gutters, old tires, etc. Any movement of surface water in a pond (for example, a small fountain) will reduce mosquito breeding. Use DEET containing insect repellants when mosquitoes are active. There are lots of other measures to prevent mosquito bites including wearing long sleeves or just staying inside when these critters are active. Regardless, don’t forget that mosquito bites carry a definite health risk and shouldn’t be taken as lightly as they were only a few years ago.
Congrats to the construction team that recently completed the road and drainage work on Lower Huntington Road near the intersection with Ardmore. Thanks also to Waynedale residents who were patient during the construction process.
There’s been quite a bit of discussion and frustration recently regarding property taxes. I’ve always said that there’s no good tax and that the property tax is one of the worst taxes since property taxes are not based on an individual’s ability to pay. Over 50% of all property taxes go to run our schools and less than a quarter of property taxes are used to fund city government. As stated by our Democratic Mayor and various Republican County officials, the biggest reason for the recent increase in property taxes is the decision by state government to markedly reduce property tax relief funding by the State of Indiana. My inclination is to support a dollar for dollar REPLACEMENT of property taxes with income taxes to the extent that this is feasible. Under new state law City Council has the ability to pass such a measure this year if we act by August 1st of 2007. Let me know your thoughts regarding this important matter.
I recently attended a community meeting of Winterset neighborhood residents regarding concerns that the proposed floodwall across the river in the Woodhurst area will worsen flooding in Winterset. Further studies are to be done regarding this possibility. All present including Fort Wayne’s flood protection engineers agreed that we all want every neighborhood to be protected from flooding. There was also agreement that we need to be sure that flood protection in one neighborhood should not worsen flooding in another.
Call me if you have suggestions regarding how we can make Fort Wayne a better city!
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