POLITICS
2nd District Councilman Bracewell: Vote 'yes' on tax proposal
To my fellow citizens of Moore County,
I am sending this letter to appeal to you regarding the ballot referendum to increase sales tax. The referendum would increase sales taxes by 0.25%, yielding an average of $30,000-$45,000 in additional income for the county at current rates. I understand that, in general, it would be foolish to ask someone to vote to pay more for anything, especially when the additional funds are going to a government entity, where they are likely to be used in a manner inconsistent with the principle of good stewardship.
However, I would like to assuage your concerns that your metropolitan government might squander this modest increase in revenue. If the past decade of spending indicates future spending, they most certainly will. Why, then, would I vote to allow them to waste more of my money? I’m glad you asked. I will attempt to make my case through several foundational truth claims. Time prohibits establishing the validity of these claims, but I am happy to justify any of them privately or publicly if you wish to contact me.
Civil government is a legitimate institution endowed with real authority by God, deriving its just powers from the consent of the governed. These powers are limited in scope, and acting outside that scope is definitionally tyranny. One of the legitimate powers of government is taxation. Here, I define tax as a means of generating revenue to pay for the general debts of a governmental entity. I am aware of two types of taxation: compulsory and voluntary. Examples of the former include income and property taxes. These taxes are compulsory and ultimately enforced by the threat of violence, which is the type of ministry the civil government possesses.
The sales tax exemplifies voluntary taxation, as the individual can choose to pay taxes when purchasing goods, contributing to the government only when using the services afforded. A use-fee taxation model is one where you pay for a government service when you utilize it – such as trash, EMS, fire, police, or water services.
Having stated these things, I would contend that a voluntary tax system is not only morally superior, as it does not forcibly dispossess citizens of property or money that is rightfully theirs, but it also aligns with the principles of limited government. A use-fee model would preclude the expansion of governmental departments or services that are not being used, much like the free market allows products that people don’t want or use to disappear.
So why should you vote to pay more money? Because when you purchase items in virtually every part of the state, you pay the elevated sales tax. This includes grocery shopping in the surrounding counties. I will only ever argue “Because it’s one-quarter of 1%” in favor of a voluntary tax, as it is an invalid argument when discussing how minimal the amount is that you are stealing from someone. That’s an additional $0.25 per $100 spent, a tax burden largely shouldered by tourists making purchases in the county.
If you are concerned that the money won’t be spent well or wisely, make that known. Speak to your council members, show up to the meetings, make public comments, and consider running for public office. I have heard from several people that it seems the council doesn’t care what the people think. I want to confirm that I have heard one council member affirm that fact almost verbatim. If it seems like your government isn’t working for you, then tell them. While I don’t believe every council member is there for the right reasons, I am confident that none of us want to do a bad job or infuriate our neighbors.
I want to close with a final plea along the same lines. I have heard from others that they don’t have time to attend meetings or be involved. No one ever has the time to sacrifice for the good of their neighbors; this is precisely what makes it a sacrifice and a service. If any of the above doesn’t sound like the tangential ravings of a madman, then please vote yes to raise the sales tax rate and become active in your local government to help improve things. If it does sound crazy, also vote yes, then please work to remove me from office in 2026.
Sincerely,
Robert Bracewell
Councilman 2nd District
moorecotnd2@gmail.com
(931) 434-0384
