Response on Prop 2

The latest blog entry by Uninformed Texan, entitled 'Developing in Austin', covers the issue of Proposition 2 which was turned down on election day. Proposition 2 is the proposed amendment of the current ability for the city to give retail businesses tax subsidies. This has been a highly controversial voting topic within Austin, particularly in regards to the Domain because this would be one of the main businesses affected. Both sides have great points in the matter, the whole point is to pick which are most important. The votes prove this with 52% of votes against Prop 2, and the other 48% supporting it, according to Bizjournal's article on the subject.

I agree with Uninformed Texan's idea that "a city's ability to attract potential developers is what can make or break a city." It is important that businesses continue to thrive and increase in quantity so that Austin's citizens will have not only more job opportunities, but also increase in wealth. Being able to offer developers tax break incentives definitely does raise the chances of new businesses being established, but even without them, many smaller business continue to open up. Local businesses play an essential role in Austin due to the diversity of needs and people residing here.

It has been said that if the proposition were to pass, many contracts would be broken, resulting in "lawsuits and legal fees" which taxpayers would absorb. But the fact is, this statement is only a prediction possibly even used as a scare tactic toward voters. However, there is the chance that some sort of lawsuits could occur, and then yes, it would affect taxpayers.

In my opinion, it's unfair that taxpayers have no voice on where these taxes are going to business-wise. But the fact is, there are some cases where incentives would be very helpful, and ridding the council of any choice on the matter wouldn't be beneficial overall.