Comments for Taxing districts on CPC plate at http://www.theind.com , comment 1 to 33 out of 20 comments http://www.theind.com Thu, 23 May 2013 01:45:39 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14987 Shotgun-- In some other more plain words, either "PUT UP OR SHUT UP !" Great advice! Can you refer me to an attorney? I have trouble finding attorneys willing to do principled honest work like this. If you know of one, do tell. I have a little "war chest" set aside for just such a project, so I won't embarass you by showing up with no skin to put in the game. - ragin_cajun Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:50:47 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14984 Two words to describe this: Corporate Welfare Actually, it's worse than that. They are using the power of law and force to command taxation assessments that are directly given to the developer. Any silly arguments that "you can just go shop somewhere else" are absurd. That is nothing but a talking point bamboozling redirection from the core ethical problem here, as stated by this poster and others. The problem is that this is not helping restore an old part of town, an economically depressed area of town. It is helping those who do not need the help by using of the force of law to levy and collect taxes. How is this different than those city-wide TIFs? I'm sure they won't let us publicly demonstrate at this private property that receives public funds either. And yes, last time one of these districts was put together to offer the developer at the corner of I-10/I-49 some off ramps and other public investment on private property for non-public needs. Those developers completely abused the term "mixed-use" to boot. Also, I guess our convention center next to the dome just isn't good enough. - Unempirical Observer Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:18:05 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14982 "Unfortunately he has had to take the brunt of a lot of criticism for just answering the call of the economic development" Well, when you go to the government and ask them to levy an incremental tax so your "steak will have some sizzle", you might have to answer some questions, and you might encounter some skeptical taxpayers. I'm sure Dr. Stewart is a big boy and can take care of himself. Especially with Joey Durel making the sales pitch for him. Sizzle for the steak--from his days as a "restauranteur" at Arby's I guess. What a tool. - ragin_cajun Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:07:36 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14960 written by LAFAYETTE NATIVE RESIDING IN CA , February 17, 2011 "Where I get hazy with you pro constitution, lovers of the constitution, constitutional loving lovers, constitution this and constitution that and ben franklin this and john adams that and forefathers this and forefathers that and yadie yadie yadie.... ------------------------- It is good to read you believe in rule of law. - Cajun Yodeler Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:13:05 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14948 Not sure if most people realize that Leda, 4 years ago, put together a TIF package to attract a 4 or 5 star hotel. Several people considered applying for it, but the economic atmosphere was not strong enough for it to be attractive at that time. Dr. Stewart is taking advantage of something that any developer can apply for, if he or she can put the package together. Unfortunately he has had to take the brunt of a lot of criticism for just answering the call of the economic development experts who think that Lafayette will benefit from a hotel/convention center. - Positive attitude Thu, 17 Feb 2011 23:25:25 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14946 Taxes are public funds. Public funds will be used for a private purpose. This in and of itself may not be an offensive action (such as investing in private activity in underserved and economically depressed areas to achieve a public good) however, in this instance, using public funds to enrich ONE Developer to promote a luxury product in the most affluent sector of Lafayette, and that fails to enhance the civic atmosphere of the Mean Average Population to this reader seems an unfair use of government and an unjust abuse of taxing power. TIF's were not presupposed for this purpose. This is about a developer using our elected officials to capitalize (literally) on a captive audience (the body politic of Lafayette) to finance his projects, for his gain only. I don't see the exigent or future gain in exploiting TIF's for this purpose, not one so narrowly conceived. - Unempirical Observer Thu, 17 Feb 2011 21:45:36 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14944 Looks like Docy B doesn't know the difference between a tax break and a subsidy. Here's a hint: One involves government TAKING LESS of what one earns, while the other involves government actively GIVING public tax dollars to an entity to artificially support a good or service. Oil companies receive tax breaks. Entities like corn ethanol producers, solar, windmills, chicken plants in North Louisiana and the various non-profits that elected officials in government favor recieve subsidies. - RCajunrunner Thu, 17 Feb 2011 21:19:08 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14942 written by BoFred , February 17, 2011 If the investors can't afford to build this then don't, Lafayette is becomming a real example of how the finest minds can come up with the most diabolical ways to circimvent the law without breaking it. First of all Freddie, if you believe investors should pay their way and get off welfare, then you admit that oil giants should not get the 45 billion in subsidies. As far as the diabolical circumvention of ways to steal our money, republicans call that capitilism, I call it socialism. Yep, that's what your republicans are about-stealing our money. - Docy B Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:46:34 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14939 You know what, I don't think I want to finance the finest hotel in Louisiana and there is a nasty smell to this deal. If the investors can't afford to build this then don't, and I don't think Lafayette needs another hotel, much less the most luxurious in Louisiana. I don't like the idea of a tax increase not voted on by taxpayers. I sure hope this fails. I don't expect it will. Lafayette is becomming a real example of how the finest minds can come up with the most diabolical ways to circimvent the law without breaking it. - BoFred Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:19:10 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14935 If you don't want to pay the tax, don't shop there. It is that simple. I don't plan to shop there or stay there. But if it means Lafayette is more attractive to conventions, vacationers, etc ... then I am fine with it. But the knee-jerk nihilists hear "tax" and they lose any rational ability to think this through. The owner wants it. Whatever shop owners chose to lease there will obviously have no problem with it. Whoever stays at the hotel will have agreed to it. No one is forced to use it. This TIF stuff is purely voluntary and all by choice. Why are those who call themselves conservatives opposing this again? All the best, Soop - Soop. Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:25:33 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14912 TIFs are a back door way to raise taxes without voter approval for the benefit of private interests. Given time, the entire parish will become a patch work of different sales tax rates, complicated by controls on where the funds are spent. This will become a mess not to mention a power grab by the parish government. - Back Door Durel Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:26:22 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14890 Ragin_Cajun and Dr. Northsidian: Councilman Theriot tried to bring up at the meeting Tuesday night that the Home Rule Charter does not allow for tax increases without a vote of the people. He was laughed at by the pro-tax increase crowd. - RCajunrunner Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:58:44 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14888 written by ragin_cajun , February 16, 2011 I am against higher taxes on ANYONE. To say higher taxes are fine so long as my neighbor pays it instead of me is disgusting. ragin cajun, now that you've slid from under that rock that you live under, you need to understand something about taxes. Government must tax the populace so that we can do stuff. I am happy to pay a cent or 10 if it will enhance the community. Where I get hazy with you pro constitution, lovers of the constitution, constitutional loving lovers, constitution this and constitution that and ben franklin this and john adams that and forefathers this and forefathers that and yadie yadie yadie....I get dizzy with your kind protesting and raising hell in the streets to give the rich more tax breaks and take the bargaining power from the common middle class worker and find any excuse not to do infrastructure in this country. Slide back under your rock and let warm blooded americans discuss this issue. Oh and don't forget, Obama is a socialistmusulimcommunistdictatornonchristianantiamericanblahblahblah - LAFAYETTE NATIVE RESIDING IN CA Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:51:18 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14882 Ga, why don't the same people who say the Home Rule Charter clearly states that the administration cannot increase the sales, or use tax, without the vote going to the registered voters, form together and file a suit against the ones who are attempting to raise the sales tax. HELL, If it can be done in Egypt, it sure in the hell can be done in Lafayette Louisiana. They sure in the hell can't line us up and shoot us. All it will take is a few thou's and a willingness to correct the underhanded self interest crony group shenanigans to line their pockets at the expense of the working, " Tax Payers of the Parish. In some other more plain words, either "PUT UP OR SHUT UP ! - Dr.Northsidian Shotgun Thu, 17 Feb 2011 01:44:10 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14878 There is an extra 2% tax at the hotel. There is also an extra 1% sales tax at the shopping center. Anyone who shops at that the shopping center will be charged a higher sales tax. Whether it be out of town residents or not doesn't matter. I am against higher taxes on ANYONE. To say higher taxes are fine so long as my neighbor pays it instead of me is disgusting. If there's no risk to the public, and Lafayette government isn't on the hook for the debt, then why even do this at all? Why can't the developer just charge higher rent, or charge a special fee of his own on every sale and every night's stay at the hotel? Why does the taxing authority of the City of Lafayette need to back up the bonds if the developer issues them, and the city isn't borrowing the money? This just doesn't pass the smell test. - ragin_cajun Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:40:18 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14875 Folks if the investors need the taxpayers to finance their developments what's next?? A tax is a tax, is a tax, is a tax!! I don't care how you try to spin it. THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED!!!!! - The Original Northsidian Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:38:35 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14873 Aren't all public indebtedness part of the bond obligations and liabilities that go into factoring credit ratings for municipalities/parishes, the state and their subdivisions? I'd say this is relevant if that's the question. - Unempirical Observer Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:12:38 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14871 Won't the out of town residents pay the 2% tax on the hotel? We get a 5 star hotel & other people help to pay for it. If bonds are issued, the taxpayers are not responsible therefore there is no risk to the public. The bond holders are. This is my understanding. Am I wrong? - Wait a minute Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:48:42 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14864 written by Compassionate One , February 16, 2011 Hey California Resident, Why don't you go to Sacremento and help Jerry Brown? You guys have enough to worry about. MYOB dunderhead! I do not know what MYOB means. I do know that Gov Brown will repair the damage that was done to california by dick and bush and the republicans. - LAFAYETTE NATIVE RESIDING IN CA Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:10:34 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/7781-taxing-districts-on-cpc-plate#comment-14860 Hey California Resident, Why don't you go to Sacremento and help Jerry Brown? You guys have enough to worry about. MYOB dunderhead! - Compassionate One Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:37:26 +0100