What do you guys think about Alabama's Repub Governor?

[JanMichael]

His state site.

http://www.governor.state.al.us/

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/washpost/20030817/ts_washpost/a4130_2003aug16


"We've got a conservative, evangelical Christian, Republican governor," he said, enunciating each word as if to get his head around the details, "trying to get a massive turnout of black voters to pass a tax increase so he can raise taxes on Republican constituents."


"In a stunning subplot to the fiscal crises roiling the states, Alabama Gov. Bob Riley (R) -- who for three terms in Congress boasted that he never voted for a tax increase and was elected governor on a promise not to raise taxes -- is proposing to raise state taxes by a record $1.2 billion, eight times the largest previous increase and almost twice what is needed to close a $675 million budget deficit."

My take? Other than his lack of support for the Separation of Church/State I like this guy.

"The born-again Baptist governor is telling voters in this Bible Belt state that their tax system, which imposes an effective rate of 3 percent on the wealthiest Alabamians and 12 percent on the poorest, is "immoral" and needs repair."

He's right.

I only hope that the people that this will help the most trust him enough to vote YES.

The only other reservation is how he said that he'd support Bush tax giveaway's while doing the opposite at home.

Maybe he's still stuck in the "State's Rights" camp?

Either way I hope his proposal passes.

[bamademo]

1. I didnt' vote for him

But I agree with him about our tax structure. I intend to vote yes, however, I'm sure it won't pass.

[JanMichael]

2. I wouldn't have voted for him either.

But the switch is pretty impressive.

There's still time for it to pass.

If he can convince Black Alabamans that this is one of the best things to happen in the South politically in a very long time, he will win.

That said it's an uphill fight.

Good luck!

[JanMichael]

3. Come on! This is an interesting story.

A hyper Progressive Tax scheme from a Republican Governor!

[Ripley]

5. It won't pass.

I've only lived in this state for 8 years, but I can tell you this state has a long history of wasting tax money. The higher the sales taxes, etc. go the worse schools get. People here are sick of sending them more money to waste. Don't trust this guy to be doing the "right thing." He didn't pay his own property taxes on 2 or 3 homes around the state FOR YEARS.


It will fail.

[AlabamaYankee]

6. I hope you're intending to vote for it

I will gladly vote against Riley in three years, but right now this reform measure is the best thing coming down the pike. Aside from the tax reform, which is a MAJOR improvement in redistributing the burden to those who can afford it, there will be restrictions on legislators' ability to hide huge chunks of pork in the state budget, and for the first time require school districts to audit and account for their expenditures. It ain't perfect, but voting it down will give the legislature even more power than it has now, and destroy any reform momentum for decades.

[David__77]

4. I am pretty surprised...

Every once in a while, a politician on that side of things really surprises, like former IL Gov. Ryan on the death penalty, and now this. What he's saying is just bare-bones common sense to me. I cannot see the controversy here. I'm not thinking this will pass though. But if it ever would, it may take a Republican, just as it took Nixon to go to China.

[pansypoo53219]

7. all of them can't be evil

i loved John chaffee.
a sweater vest on the senate floor!?!

[outinforce]

8. Don't Like Him -- Don'[t Trust Him

From the following website: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week648/feature.html :

"Bob Riley, a conservative Republican. Riley, a devout Baptist, says the reforms he proposes are not just dictated by common sense -- they're dictated by a higher power, his Christian faith"

Here's a guy who is trying to force his religion down the throats of the people of his state -- and attempting to use the power of the State to do so!!

I do not trust ANYone who would try to push his or her own view of religion -- and would use the power of the state to do so.

[salin]

9. My take - is he is being pragmatic - and then using marketing

My understanding is that he ran for Gov as a member of congress touting that he never, ever voted for any kind of tax increase.

Then he suddenly sees the REAL fiscal state of affairs.

PRobably first does the mantra (cut spending)... but with a little research realizes things are already WAY underfunded.

So - gonna have to raise taxes. No other way. If have to make this potentially politically suicidal move - might as well go all the way and fix a little of the starved social services.

Now have to SELL it to his rightwing evangelical base.

Only one way - to this base - to sell it - while keeping a shred of his former veneer. That it is BECAUSE of his evangelicalism that he MUST do this.

........
Not that this framework is different in the end then yours - he is merging state and religion. But I think rather than attempting to push religion through the politics - he realized he HAD to deal with taxes... and then is using his religion to "market" his policy.

[Stuckinthebush]

10. I have a great deal of cognitive dissonance surrounding Mr. Riley

I didn't vote for him - I found him to be lacking in the debates as well as a scary force for religious extremists.

On the other hand, he has taken on his constituency to do what is right and needed for our State. Alabama is in serious, serious trouble, and this tax package is sorely needed. I can't help but admire him for his conviction to do the right thing, while the religious right and wealthy land owners are all pushing him to do the wrong thing.

However, with the revelation of the 1978 property tax cap ammendment, I may have a hard time voting for this package. It would strip a great deal of funding from my children's schools as well as other schools around the state.

But, if we don't get this passed, then we are shot. Perhaps the best thing to do is pass it and then work out the kinks.

I'm conflicted.

[dusty64]

11. He "won" under very

suspicious circumstances.