“GAME DAY”

Richmond’s Budget Referendum

TUESDAY * JUNE 3rd * 8AM - 8PM

It’s The RULING CLASS vs. We The People

The Ruling Class is favored to win. They have big numbers – the unions, municipal employees, teachers, the Alliance, Beaver River. They have raving fans – social justice warriors, progressives, socialists! They also have the raging fans of “Big Brother” and “big government” to approve their budget.

The Ruling Class, most importantly, has the faithful who are addicted to “MORE!” More is better! More spending, more hiring, more directors, more pensions, more dump trucks, more taxes! For those faithful, it is an unquestionable “TRUTH” that “MORE” is always better! More is the answer, the solution, the cure, the way!

We The People are again the underdogs. Yes, these are the same people who pay for the raises, pensions, salaries, benefits, dump trucks, road repairs, police and fire protection, snow plowing, education, etc. Underdogs?

Though they are the majority, the SILENT MAJORITY, will they become THE VOTING MAJORITY on JUNE 3rd? Will they exercise their RIGHT TO VOTE "NO?"

The Ruling Class knows the underdogs have the power to win this referendum. They are hoping, praying, the underdogs do not even show up. They expect an easy VICTORY by default. They know their chances are better than good. Barely a handful of voters showed up for budget hearings; fewer for council meetings. This looks like “done deal” for The Ruling Class.

Voter apathy, complacency, and passivity are the most powerful forces The Ruling Class has working for them. They are counting on them. Yes, voter misinformation, confusion, and defeatism will ultimately push them over the finish line. Just in case, they have a back-up plan – keep the voters “HAPPY” (and quiet) by camouflaging their $8.4 MILLION spending spree as the “Best Ever Budget” – with "no tax increase!"

No question, history is on the side of The Ruling class. History predicts that most voters will not vote because this is not a presidential election year. So, history is forecasting a blowout.

As a result, four of our five council members will humbly accept their gold medals on the winner’s podium! Our town administrator will return to her office with a smile and with everything she had asked for. Yes, everything! This is her win-win!

So, what about We The People? Good question? This spending spree is the “Best Ever” budget – that’s all you need to know. Let’s not get picky, asking questions!

Fortunately, this Game is not over. The last play, the winning play, is in the hands of the people! They hold the power to win – if they will just vote. In fact, this Game is “THEIRS TO LOSE!”

What’s next is critical. What will the people do on June 3rd? Will they show up? Or will they default? Will they VOTE or will they not? Will they choose to win? Or will they lose? The experts say they will lose!

What do you say?

Tom Marron

Richmond Finance Committee Member