Is Bart Peterson - crazy?

[salin]

So much for bigger political aspirations. Maybe he is just tired of being Mayor.

What am I talking about? On the eve of the property tax bills going out in Marion County - that are reportedly going to include an average hike of 24% - with such safety concerns for local assessors that some are going to have law enforcement officers in their offices after the bills go out due to concerns about enraged citizens... Peterson is to announce a proposed INCOME TAX INCREASE for public safety?

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070627/LOCAL18/706270456http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070627/LOCAL18/706270456

Tax plan would nick your pay
Mayor will announce proposal to raise local income tax to improve public safety

Mayor Bart Peterson will announce a proposed income tax increase today to pay for his plan to improve crime fighting and to fund public safety pensions.

The mayor has kept a close guard on how big of an increase he'll ask the City-County Council to consider, even from fellow Democrats. The council is expected to vote on the proposal at its next meeting, July 23.
Peterson's office scheduled a news conference for 12:30 p.m. today for what it billed as a "major announcement and policy speech on the future of crime fighting and the future financial stability of Indianapolis."
A special provision approved by the legislature this year allows Marion County to raise the income tax by one-half of a percentage point to pay for public safety. Combined with an increase to 1 percent from 0.9 percent set to take effect Sunday, income taxes in Marion County could increase by up to 83 percent to pay for Peterson's plan to bolster public safety and the criminal justice system.

...more at link.

I understand the desired end - and my neighborhood has been troubled by the whole southside arson thing... but seriously - can you say.... tin ear? I read this headline and couldn't help but wonder if he is really this stupid or just that arrogant (to think there wouldn't be a political price to pay) or just wants a way out of his political job.

[PVnRT]

1. Seems he isn't concerned about running again then...

n/t

[LiberalFighter]

2. It appears deadline for county to pass ordinance is July 31

and would take effect October 1 of the same year.