If you’ve read through your copy of the Des Moines Register today I’m sure you noticed the story about Waukee’s proposal to how they’ll spend the Project Destiny money.  If not, it can be found here.

Waukee drops tax relief from ‘Destiny proposal

The title to the article tells you all you need to know.  Sell the proposal as both a way to improve the community and a way to reduce property taxes, then pull the ol bait and switch and leave out the tax relief part.

This is why Project Destiny scares me.  I’m all for the improvements that would go on, but I could care less about where the money is spent outside of downtown.  I should clarify that–I’m interested in the improvements that come downtown, not really in what Urbandale or Waukee or the other burbs improve in their areas.

What I don’t like is willingly giving the government more money.  I’ve yet to see a tax increase happen–and then go away, or provide relief in another area.  What scares me about Project Destiny is that it might be a way to provide a blank check to the government, one that doesn’t provide other relief, and one that never ends.

I haven’t decided yet which way I will vote on this issue, which is strange for me.  Prior to this proposal I’d vote against any tax increase put in front of me, no matter what it covered.  BUT this one has me torn.  I wanted to share this with you so that you can inform yourself of the issue, and can become and informed voter.  The Register has links to a lot of stories about Project Destiny, be sure to read up and be sure to VOTE.  I’m undecided, and need to know more, just like I’m sure many of you are.

Political leanings aside, I’d love to hear what questions you have about this, reservations, or what good you think this issue will do.