A wheel tax is certainly not a new idea, but it remains a good one. It is an idea I have long supported, and in this time of restricted funding from the state an idea the City of Madison needs to seriously consider.
A wheel tax of $20.00 would serve the interests of the city as the fee could be used locally for needed services.
There are many places across the state that have placed such a tax on the books, and for good reason. With the partisan tinkering that takes places in the statehouse local governments in Milwaukee, Janesville, Beloit, and St. Croix County have implemented such a tax to buffer against shrinking state aid. Appleton and Chippewa County are also pondering such a move.
As Madison prepares for a mayoral election I am hoping that at least one candidate can force the issue at a time when every mature voter knows that there is a need to enhance revenues if we are to meet the needs of the citizenry. An honest approach making it clear that streets and roads must have more funds so they can be serviced adequately should not be politically risky in this city.
I reject the notion that we should never address openly the need for taxes. It is a dreadful notion that the only time we talk about taxes is when someone proposes reducing them. In Madison we are smart enough to understand that essential government services need to have funding sources that meet the need.
Let a mayoral candidate running for office prove they have some leadership skills and advocate for a wheel tax in Madison.
CAFFEINATED POLITICS 