Respecting Property Rights
August 27, 2009
Many Provo homeowners feel that the council has demonstrated a growing disregard for the proper role of government and disrespect for their property rights. Unfortunately, the failure to honor property rights has even driven some responsible homeowners out of our neighborhoods.
The Facts:
- The Provo city council has made it difficult for parents to keep a home in the family name or allow their children to take care of the property. (See: Deseret News)
- An unfortunate number of Provo residents have faced a decline in home value due to decisions that change the allowable use of their homes even after a legal precedent has been established. (See: Deseret News)
- The state itself has had to intervene when the city crosses the line in disregarding property rights. (See: Deseret News)
The Sterling Solution
As a Provo homeowner, I understand the need to protect the rights of our property holders. I will work to restore property rights while strengthening the core of our neighborhoods.
Protecting the Tax Payer
August 27, 2009
During this time of economic instability, many families are worried about the possibility of increased tax rates. A growing number of residents have lost equity in their homes or have had employment issues. They do not want to foot the bill for the mistakes made by our city council.
The Facts:
- The city council’s irresponsible decisions have wasted tax dollars without benefitting the public. The iProvo fiasco alone lost over $8 million. (See: Reason Foundation)
- Taxes are often raised in order to compensate for wasteful projects. In June of 2007, the council voted to add $1.2 million of sales tax revenues to the city’s budget in order to compensate for the iProvo debt. (See: Daily Herald)
- Utahans are already facing the possibility of a $100 million increase in statewide taxes (See: Deseret News)
The Sterling Solution
My position on taxes is simple: I will never support a tax increase unless the people call for one through their votes. By cutting waste and staying away from irresponsible ventures, we can save millions of dollars and balance the budget.
It’s time to focus on the services that truly strengthen our community: parks, schools, police officers, and firemen. Let’s use our money to help our neighborhoods rather than waste it competing with private businesses.
I know that Provo’s citizens work hard for their money. I will always work to protect their tax dollars.
Recovering from iProvo Losses
August 27, 2009
When the city council voted in favor of iProvo, they crossed the bounds of proper government. They wasted millions of tax payer dollars competing against local business (money that could have gone to parks, schools, and public safety). Even worse, the city may soon be on the hook for iProvo’s $39.6 million dollar bond.
The Facts:
- The Provo City Council started high speed internet venture iProvo without a vote from the people. (See: Daily Herald)
- iProvo lost the city money every year and garnered national criticism. Over $8 million was wasted. (See: Reason Foundation)
- The council “sold” iProvo to a for-profit company, agreeing to take back responsibility for the service and the massive $39.6 million dollar bond if the company was unsuccessful. (See: Salt Lake Tribune)
- The for-profit company hasn’t been able to make their $207,505.55 monthly payments since last November. (See: Daily Herald)
- If the dwindling surety deposit runs out, Provo will be responsible for the $39.6 million dollar bond. (See: Salt Lake Tribune)
The Sterling Solution
The iProvo fiasco is such a serious issue because it took much-needed funds away from our neighborhoods.
As a council member, I’ll work to grow Provo by encouraging private enterprise rather than spending your tax dollars on speculative ventures. I will never vote in favor of a wasteful, irresponsible venture like iProvo. I will always remember to protect the taxpayer’s money and respect the proper role of government.
If the city is forced to take back iProvo and its accompanying debt, I will work to see that a more secure sale is made. I will fight to make sure that Provo is protected from the millions of dollars that may be lost if the city remains responsible for payments and continues to re-negotiate the terms of the transfer.
