I know we seem to be fighting things at all levels of government, but if we do not start supporting not raising taxes but instead cutting spending, we will get slammed with another Peyton budget that increases taxes again. You could tell our council members people are sorely disappointed after running these gathering that they get a hand full of people. I understand everyone these days is more into growing the grass roots movement than attacking the problems, but at this point, people need to get their hands dirty and start showing up to some things that might actually make a difference on every level. As someone said up in Tallahassee, it's great to get out and wave signs but that isn't working. Going to our representatives offices works, calling them, writing letters, sending faxes, and getting in their faces works. I was sorely disappointed that only 3 people from the Arlington group and a couple of people from Concerned Taxpayers for Duval County were there and even more disappointed that FCTP didn't push this and how important it is. Educating is important and I know that, but on every level we need to push back and locally, we are going to get higher taxes if people don't start saying NO.

We have an out of control Mayor and Police Chief. The police budget has gone up 60% over the last 10 years or so; retirement pay for most city workers is close to what they earn as workers, and the money just isn't there. Unions are killing us at every level of government, and they haven't been hurt by the economy, cause they just keep raising taxes and business goes on as usual. The police chief spent stimulus money on a new gym instead of putting it towards paying his own people at a time when we have 12.6% unemployment, and we need to start making some noise about it. I was shocked when these councilmen said they went out and asked where that stimulus money was and the police chief had already spent it while we have people in some parts of the city that don't even have city water in their homes. Our mayor planted a bunch of trees downtown and has hired and hired and hired and in one office alone, they have gone from 1 person to 12 people during the worse economic times this state has seen in 35 years. I know it's a lot of ask, but we all have to expand our scope to cover things at all three levels. These city council people are disgusted and ready to quit. One of them even said they didn't care if they were voted out; they aren't getting any support from the people to stop this madness.

They need suggestions on how to cut things and support for doing so.

Pat