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Surprise!

November 12, 2009

Along with many municipal governments, Surprise, Arizona is facing budget problems this year. In addition to decreased revenues, some of the city’s problems are coming from its history of poor budgeting practices.
The city’s Accounting Division says that department adheres to Generally Accepted Accounting Standards (GAAP), which are industry guidelines for following the principles of sound [...]

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Robert Nelson Live at Mercatus

November 11, 2009

Robert Nelson’s talk on the rise of sublocal governance at the Mercatus Center will be showing here from 12:30 to 2 PM today. After the talk, a recording will be available here. A recording of the talk is available here.

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Bob Nelson Speaking at Mercatus

November 10, 2009

On Wednesday, November 11, Robert Nelson will be speaking at Mercatus about the rise of sublocal governance. His talk is from 12:30 to 2 in room 121 of George Mason University’s Hazel Hall, 3301 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington and yes, lunch will be provided. Here’s the blurb:
Professor Nelson will discuss the growing importance of sublocal [...]

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Norcross in New York Post

November 10, 2009

Eileen Norcross has an op-ed in today’s New York Post in which she argues that only substantive reform can fix New Jersey’s budget problem.
[Governor-elect Chris] Christie inherits a state that’s in arguably the worst financial condition in its 233- year history. Last year’s $7 billion shortfall, closed with stimulus dollars and tax hikes, has resurfaced [...]

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Record-breaking Property Tax Appeals in New Jersey

November 10, 2009

New Jersey residents are taking their property tax bills to City Hall. In Essex County, property tax appeals doubled to 6,487 and in Ocean County appeals have tripled to 14,129. “I’ve been in the industry 35 years, and it’s a record,” claims Ocean County’s tax administrator.
According to The Star Ledger, it’s so worrisome, the NJ [...]

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A State of Civic Dejection: Despondent in California

November 8, 2009

“It’s a feeling of…like we’ve peaked.”
Roughly 80 percent of respondents to a recent LA Times/USC poll say California is on the wrong track. Has the demand for change also peaked? Most respondants indicate fatalistic resignation over California’s declining fortunes. USC scholar Dan Schur notes,”You get angry when you think you can make a difference and [...]

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Assorted Links

November 4, 2009

New Jersey’s election results: It’s all about taxes.
Overcounting Stimulus Jobs.
Price George’s County, Maryland approves speed cameras, and property tax break.
New Jersey votes for $400 million in Open Space Bonds: 52 to 48.
Economist David Zetland on the political economy of lobbying:  how to sell a dollar for more than a dollar (Hat tip: Marginal Revolution).

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Criminalizing Prostitution in Rhode Island

November 4, 2009

Rhode Island was the only state where prostitution was legal indoors and on private property, but Governor Carcieri signed legislation Tuesday that made the act a misdemeanor crime.
The Associated Press reports:
State lawmakers inadvertently opened the loophole in 1980 when they passed legislation trying to crack down on prostitutes and their customers creating havoc in the [...]

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Maine Votes on TABOR

November 2, 2009

In 2008, Maine set a shameful record. This past year we sent more money to Augusta, as a percentage of income, than ever before. Unfortunately, it gets even worse. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Maine is on pace to send almost forty cents of each dollar to the capitol in 2009.
For over a [...]

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Assorted Links

November 2, 2009

Could America go broke?
Will casinos return to Ohio?
Governor Rendell wrangles over casino taxes to close Pennsylvania budget gap
Landlords offer incentives to tenants to stay.
Google Voice goes silent in some rural areas.

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