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Local Government
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By Administrator
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Tuesday, 21 October 2014 06:40 |
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RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - Raleigh voters seeking information about the city's $92 million parks bond referendum that appears on November's ballot will find only positive information about the bond on the city's website. The Raleigh News & Observer reports that on Monday, a pro-bond video was removed from the city's website after an inquiry from a reporter.
North Carolina prohibits local governments from using public funds to tell voters to vote "yes" or "no" on a ballot item. They are allowed, however, to inform and educate the public about the referendum.
That's where the rub comes in. The video on Raleigh's website was, according to the newspaper, could be deemed an "overly enthusiastic" pro-bond message. It featured testimonials from pro-bond citizens.
The bond, which would fund a variety of parks projects, will result in a property tax rate hike of 1.72 cents per $100 in valuation. The Wake County Taxpayer Association is opposed.
This is not the first time a local government has been called out for its advocacy of a ballot item. The issue has gotten the attention of some legislators, who say the law should be amended to be crystal clear in its intent to prohibit advocacy.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 21 October 2014 06:41 |
