Irwin’s promises made to voters before election ignored; raise troubling issues of ?
Steve Irwin is a nice guy. He is personable and likeable. But his behavior since joining the Yavapai College Governing Board, when it comes to taxes, raises serious questions.
On Mr. Irwin’s facebook he repeatedly indicated before he was elected that he would not increase property taxes — or at least to a rational person reading his facebook that was the message. Yet, when he got his first chance to vote on whether to increase property taxes in the County, he voted to increase them.
Worse, he was the swing vote on the property tax increase. Two members from the Verde Valley were solidly against increasing property taxes; two members from the West side of the County were in favor of the increase. The decision on the vote was delayed until he arrived. He then voted to increase property taxes County-wide.
In fact, the College failed to adequately justify the tax increase request. Or, to have a strategic plan in place that supported it.
The following, taken from his facebook page, are the promises he made to not raise property taxes–a promise he ignored the first chance he got.
“October 31, 2014. You have a choice – get out and vote for Steve Irwin #YavapaiCollegeGoverningBoard as a member of YavapaiCollegeGoverningBoard I promise to help guide the College in Financial Responsibility and be a strong supporter of not raising your property taxes while requiring a higher quality of education.” (emphasis added)
“October 21, 2014. Lower property taxes, quality education, reasonable cost, campus life, courses for adults, etc. YES these are my concerns and I want your input.” (emphasis added)
“October 19, 2014. 10 for 10. Every year in the past 10 years the Yavapai Community College aka Yavapai College Governing Board has increased your property taxes. Higher property taxes lowers property value and the buying power of new home owners. A vote for me equals NO NEW TAXES” (emphasis added).
Click here for a link to his facebook page where he made these statements.