Jim Hightower on Prop 2: "...covering up their stink with a Karl Rovian campaign of deceit..."

by: Deb

Sat Nov 01, 2008 at 06:16 PM CDT

Why in the world should we support super-rich, out-of-state developers and retailers with our city tax dollars?

Why should they get a $60 million government subsidy to compete against our own homegrown businesses?

Why should a shopping center that caters to rich people get tax money that is needed for the public good?

You don't have to be in Who's Who to know What's What, do you? This giveaway stinks, which is why they're having to dump hundreds of thousands of dollars into a political ad blitz. They're trying to cover up their stink with a Karl Rovian campaign of deceit, hoping to kill our common sense, democratic, true-Austin-initiative, Proposition 2.

Prop 2 is a grassroots message to the Powers That Be. It says "NO" to doling out corporate welfare that does nothing but further corporatize Austin. That's why Prop 2 is supported not only by Austin's local businesses, but also by labor, environmental groups, neighborhood councils, and every political party - Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, and Greens.

We can't match the PR blitz of the corporate interests, but we can use our grassroots networks to spread support for Austin's Proposition 2. They've got the Fat Cats - but we've got the Alley Cats, and there are many more of us!

Please blast your email lists, make calls, leaflet polling places, and otherwise stand up for Austin by standing up for Prop 2.For more info on how to help, Call Brian Rogers at 366-5000.

Thanks for all that you do to make this such a unique and great city. Keep Pushing!

Sincerely,

Jim Hightower

Prop 2 Interview Wed., Oct. 29th, 12:00noon: 91.7FM KOOP Radio or www.koop.org!

by: David Kobierowski

Tue Oct 28, 2008 at 01:46 PM CDT

What: David Kobierowski, host of 91.7FM KOOP Radio's "A Neighborly Conversation" interviews Michael King, News Editor, Austin Chronicle and Brian Rodgers, Founder, Stop Domain Subsidies, as they go head-to-head on the issues of Proposition 2!

When:  Wed., Oct. 29th, 12:00noon-1:00pm

Where:  91.7FM KOOP Radio on your FM dial or stream our show live and free at www.koop.org between 12:00noon-1:00pm, Wed., Oct. 29th.

Don't miss this controversial discussion from both sides of Proposition 2!    

Prop 2 is about RETAIL SUBSIDIES.  It's on our Nov. 4th ballot for City of Austin residents.  Be sure to vote!!

"A Neighborly Conversation" airs every Wednesday, 12:00noon-1:00pm on 91.7FM KOOP Radio and streams live at www.koop.org.  Our weekly radio show focuses on issues important to the citizens of Austin and our community.  We typically report stories not covered in the mass media.  Often we're the 1st to cover local stories before the mass media!  Here it first on 91.7FM KOOP Radio!!

MY TAKE:  I'm personally voting YES for Prop 2 because I want a fair and level playing field for local businesses.  It's not fair for one developer to get subsidies while others don't.  Even Simon Properties recently decided to go AGAINST retail subsidies in El Paso, stating "tax subsidies are anti-business because they favor one developer over others".

I've followed this story at KOOP Radio for almost a year.  The #1 argument against Prop 2 has been the threat of litigation.  But Brian Rodgers puts that argument to bed during my interview.  He explains during the interview that the city CAN opt out with no legal implications. "The out of court settlement states that the City is NOT obligated to pay".

Listen to the interview on Wed., 12:00noon, and decide how to vote...

FYI:  The ballot language is confusing. A supporter of Stop Domain Subsidies recommended to think of it this way: "If you're against retail subsidies, vote YES on Prop 2.  Another way of saying it, if you agree with over 500 local Austin businesses who are all voting YES for prop 2, then say YES to local businesses and vote YES for prop 2".

Best,
David Kobierowski
91.7FM KOOP Radio
Winner: Best Radio/Talk News Host 08' by Austin Chronicle