The Albuquerque TEA Party is Opposed to the APS Tax Increase

The Albuquerque TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Party thanks the Albuquerque voters for turning down the money grab that the APS Board tried to push on the tax payers. The message should have been clear to the board - we are not against safe and secure school facilities, we are opposed to the board's fiscal irresponsibility and wasteful spending. If the rumors are true and the Board is considering presenting a mil-levy increase in November, we will continue to oppose it unless the Board:

• Clearly identifies for what capital projects the tax revenue will be used.
  
• Drops the LEED certification requirement for buildings since they have not shown any improved performance,
  
• With declining (1000 student/year) enrollment, provides a plan of better utilization of current facilities, including closing some schools down and moving those students to other schools,
  
• Stops constructing useless buildings (Such as the new teacher training center on Louisiana and Comanche). It may be a nice to have, but when the money is needed for upkeep of other buildings, it is NOT NECESSARY.
  
• Since APS is Albuquerque's largest real-estate holder of vacant land and buildings, selling them off would provide funds for meeting their stated needs. 
  
• The APS Board shows no concern for the impact of higher taxes on low income renters and home owners who are already struggling to make ends meet.
  
• The APS Board shows no concern for the negative economic impact this regressive tax will be on the city of Albuquerque.
  

WE WILL CONTINUE TO URGE ALBUQUERQUE VOTERS TO VOTE NO IF THIS TAX INCREASE IS ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT UNTIL THE APS BOARD CAN GIVE US COMPELLING REASONS WHY THIS TAX IS NECESSARY.