No Surprise that OTC Bond Issue Failed

I would have been surprised to see the OTC bond issue pass. In the minds of many, taxes are just too high. Considering my family is one job down, I cannot help but think of my own property taxes coming in December. Really, the OTC issue is not about more taxes. It is about OTC itself and the institution’s use of money and expansion of programming that may, or may not, be necessary.

In the past, when an OTC issue has been voted down, the institution has found ways to build and expand anyway. This very thing happened in the mid 1990’s. Voters remember those things. If OTC can get it done without our taxes, then why vote to increase taxes? This philosophy may not be applicable with this particular vote, but the idea is there.

There is more. A lot of people feel that OTC has expanded, and continues to expand, beyond its intended purpose. Still others are opposed because of the idea of tax-supported higher education. Remember, OTC is not a public school. It is higher education and for some, using property taxes to give some a free (or reduced) college degree is wrong.

Whatever your particular opinion, and I am not giving mine, OTC has a problem in the community as indicated by the overwhelming negative vote yesterday.

Jason, and Sniderman have both had interesting discussions on the OTC issue on their blogs. Give them a click.