(Christy Mihos is running for governor in 2010 as a Republican - promoted by garrett3000)
By Christy Mihos
Now that Congress has given us two doses of unprecedented debt train wrecks--$849 Billion to Wall Street and $787 Billion to special interest insiders-- and as Governor Patrick and our Legislature salivate over the proposed $10 Billion coming to Beacon Hill coffers, I'd like to appeal to their better judgment and chart a plan for the hard working men and women of Massachusetts.
First and foremost, our state government leaders should stop all talk of gas tax hike and toll increases. The Governor's gas tax plan would cost us $650 million forever, and that amount would be subject to a cost of living increase. In 2008 the Turnpike Board raised tolls in order to cover the debt serviced by the Big Dig, but the Governor wants another toll hike. If the state followed through with my 2003 plan to sell the 11 service plazas and terminate all tolls west of Route 128, those users would realize a $120 million savings. Also, my plan would terminate the MTA and merge all other transportation agencies. The Governor's tax and toll hike proposals are regressive and hurt us all. Further, your Turnpike Authority is holding $571 million in cash and current assets---they need more cash??
We should also abolish the meals tax. Massachusetts charges a 5% tax on all meals, but the restaurant industry is on life support. Closed restaurants and 'bricks and mortar retailers do not pay property taxes, and the job losses in these sectors are vexing.
More and more people are moving out of Massachusetts to avoid high taxes and the high cost of living here. The continued decrease in population has caused a ripple effect that is crippling sales in most sectors of our economy. We must be proactive and terminate the Death Tax and Capital Gains Tax. This bold action will send a loud message that our state welcomes capital formation and encourage business to locate here. Further, pass legislation to cap all credit card interest fees to 5 points over Federal Funds. These businesses are all banks in essence, and their rates are clearly usury
Massachusetts residents have been paying double-digit healthcare cost now for too many years. We must pass legislation to abolish the health insurance middle-man. BC/BS, Harvard Community, Tufts, and others produce nothing but higher premiums for working people. Our doctors and hospitals are clearly competent to manage our healthcare system.
We should also terminate 8,000 state jobs immediately. While private employers cut costs and lay off employees, our state government remains the only sector that has not "right-sized". The 79,000 jobs the Governor claims the Washington stimulus will create can be augmented with the cut in the state government workforce.
Perhaps most importantly, we should create the Massachusetts Office of Special Prosecutor. This office would have unlimited powers to protect us from the corrupt officials who see the federal bailout as another feeding frenzy. The State Ethics Commission is feckless. We need a strong prosecutor who can stop corruption, and restore some semblance of integrity to public service.
Protect the rest of us. We're not banks, law firms, construction firms, or the special interests. The middle class is getting hammered. Small businesses are in a deep struggle to compete and stay alive. Governor Patrick, adopt this plan now and help ease this wonderful Commonwealth through troubled times. Do it not, and no slick slogan will protect you from a populace waiting for 2010.
Christy Mihos is a businessman, entrepreneur, and a candidate for governor.
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