Call to sign petition

Editor:

Windcrest Mayor Jack Leonhardt’s recent article stated that the proposed property tax rate to pay off our debt should remain the same. What he didn’t tell you was the length of time you would be obligated.

Windcrest is still in the midst of a 7-year tax note obligation for its streets. At the end of seven years the tax rate was supposed to decrease by approximately 8 cents per $100 of the Bexar Appraisal District valuation.

Under the mayor’s latest proposal, we will be obligated for 20 more years at the same rate. He is correct about the tax rate being the same, but he is being disingenuous about his assertion that we will not get a tax increase on our debt. Prolonging the 8 cents for debt by 15 years IS a tax increase.

On Aug. 18 there will be a public hearing on the $7.465 million for certificates of obligation. The mayor suggests you wait until then to decide on whether to sign the petition to bring this matter to the vote of the people.

That is only one week prior to the matter being voted on by the city council members, who usually vote unanimously for the mayor’s proposals. It is foolish to think that a petition drive can be executed in that amount of time.

If you want to have a say at the ballot box on this issue, call 654-4436 or 590-8436 and sign the petition.

Rita Davis

Windcrest resident