A bit of nice news from the Steel City, where voters today approved a ballot initiative for an additional property tax of .25 mils...the equivalent of 25¢ per $1000 of assessed value...to support the city's library system.
The tax passed by a 2 to 1 margin and should raise about $3 million annually for the city's libraries.
http://www.post-gazette.com/...
Certainly this doesn't compare in importance to other big elections of today; the defeat of Kasich's union busting in Ohio; the defeat of the embryo amendment in Mississippi; the recall of Pearce in Arizona; the victory of Mathis in Iowa.
Still, it is heartwarming to see the people of my hometown to vote in favor of a small tax upon themselves to support a public service they consider important.
And perhaps some Blue Dogs can see in this vote a sign that despite their fears not all their constituents are opposed to all taxes all the time.
Friends & neighbors, I applaud you.
(Also, the Democratic nominee for County Executive overwhelmed his Republican opponent. Not a surprise...and not a great candidate...but better than the alternative.)