by:  Diane Benjamin

Bloomington-Normal is changing, but few people are talking publicly about it.  Maybe you should hear what a local Realtor said on the radio last Saturday:  http://www.cities929.com/pages/17509587.php  Listen to the first few minutes from the October 12th On The House show.  No hints, listen to it yourself.  If you skip this part, you are missing something BIG.

One reason all government should be limited is because they are not capable of efficiency.  Citizens are throwing money away by putting too much confidence in the ability of government to control society.  Businesses compile monthly reports within days, look at what the City of Bloomington does, the August report was issued in mid October.

I’m sure the City has to wait for reports from the State, but 6 weeks means they are always leading from behind instead of responding quickly to trends as business does.  What are the trends?  Click on any of the pictures to enlarge.  The red says it all.

Tax Revenue is on a downward spiral. Building permits are below budget.  Video gaming Revenue is great!  Sitting in bars playing video poker, helps fund the City.

Income tax is NOT down overall.  What that says is people aren’t spending.   Why is that?  Healthcare costs skyrocketing?  Tax increase talk everywhere?  Fear of losing a job?

Maybe Bloomington and Normal, Unit 5, District 87, the Library, the YWCA, the Soccer people, the County, and anybody else wanting more tax money need to rethink.

There are no signs of the economy improving, especially in Illinois.  Will it get worse?  Looks like citizens are hunkering down.

.

.

.