It's not that they can't - They don't want to.  Think about this - Usually when there is a recession everyone, including big business suffers.  As an Independent I don't have to participate in the party bickering and protecting of big business and the interest of the lobbysts.  I have a very simple and basic plan -

• I will work to insure every available dollar is brought into the 4th District. 
• I will work with companies, foundations, non-profits and other who are willing to relocate or provide services to the 4th District.   - i.e.  Companies who willing to assist in getting community and senior centers built.
• Obtain every available grant to assist police, fire, local government and community based groups improve their services without a burden on tax payers.
• Most importantly, I work directly for you and not a political party.  I will be hearing your voices as to how you want to resolve the issue.

Some of the Best solutions to the most difficult problems come from real people just like you.

I recently asked elected officials in various juridictions to explain what they did with 911 fees that were turned over to them by various telephone companies.  No one has been able to provide a documented response. 

911 Fees are collected on every month on every telephone number, this includes cell phones.   The telephone company keeps a minimal amount and thre rest is passed on to the local law enforcement jurisdiction i.e. the city or county who provides emergency response services to you.   The current charge is approximately $1.50 per telephone number.

Throughout the 4th District we are hearing elected officials complain of a lack of funds to pay, hire or give pay raises to its police, fire and EMTS.  There is talk of property tax increases to allow for these raises.  It is estimated these increases would be approximately $75 per year per household.

Under my plan I will present legislation to allow the 911 fee to be raised a maximum of $1 to approximately $2.50 per telephone number.  The only exception would be those using LIFELINK telephones.  These funds would be exclusively for salary of police officers, fire fighters and EMTs.  There would also have to be an accounting provided at the end of the year to document the funds use.  This plan places the burden on all persons using telephone including those using cellulars. 

By the way, it is estimated there are over 700.000 telephones in the 4th Congressional District.  At the current rate, if only $1.00 is turned over, that amounts to approximately $700,000 per month which is given to local jurisdictions.

I will vote NO!!!  The government alread collects a significant percentage of your salary.  The government needs to learn to do what you do every day - - live within its means.