Elections and Taxes

Analysis:

This election story is based on a very important issue for local voters, taxes and the City budget. The reporter provides adequate space for both candidates to respond. Do the candidates actually respond to the questions put forth by the reporter? Do you as a voter think that the responses provide you with adequate information to make an informed vote? Could the reporter have pursued other angles or questioning?

One question that could have been useful here is to look at the incumbent’s record over the past 8 years as it relates to tax issues. He has a voting record and that would be of benefit to viewers to see if he voted for what he said he stood for, but more importantly it provides viewers with a way to measure whose interests an incumbent has represented based on the voting record. There is an online record of Grand Rapids City Commission voting records, which can be a good resource for journalists to use.

Viewers could also ask themselves why the question about taxes was only related to raising resident tax, but not business taxes. This story does end with channel 8 telling viewers that there is streamed footage of interviews with the candidates. Viewers should ask themselves, why not include more of the interview in the on air story? By only having it online it limits who can have easy access to voter information.

Story:

WOOD TV 8 News reader – Last night we told you about the budgetary challenges facing those running for Grand Rapids City Commission. Of course raising taxes is one way around that challenge, but are candidates ready to commit to a tax increase? In part 2 of our election preview 24 hour news eight’s Joe LaFurgy puts that question to the candidates in the first ward.

Reporter – Could a tax hike funding, possibly the so-called quality of life programs lik the pools, playgrounds and other parks and recreation programs be one answer to the City’s budget woes? Mayor George Heartwell floated the idea after a tough budget fight earlier this year. One which resulted in $12 million in cuts. Our question to the candidates, would you vote to raise taxes? We start with First Ward Incumbent James Jendrasiak. He said it would take drastic cuts with certain services not just being reduced but cut altogether before he would support a tax increase.

Candidate Jendrasiak – The citizens need to be able to have that choice of saying whether or not they believe a tax increase is necessary.

Reporter – Dave Shaffer, Jendrasiak’s First Ward opponent won’t say no to the idea of new taxes…

Candidate Shaffer – …but I think that the citizens first need to know we’re actually approving budgets that have looked at everything that it can look at. I think there is currently more that we can look at to cut.

Reporter – But what if the tax is regional. One of the suggestions from the Mayor work with Kent County officials on a county wide recreation millage proposal, a plan that both Shaffer and Jendrasiak say could make the idea of a tax hike an easier pill to swallow.

Candidate Shaffer – Because I know that a lot of the folks in the surrounding areas do enjoy the parks and do actually work and live, excuse me, do work in the City and use a lot of the services.

Candidate Jendrasiak – Partnering regionally might be an option that we will seriously consider. It could prove to be of benefit for the entire county.

Reporter – Still both candidates say they would only support such a tax hike if it were offered to voters by way of referendum. Voters will decide the two candidates fate on November 8.

WOOD TV 8 News reader – If you want to hear more from the candidates we have streamed portions of their interviews on our website at woodtv.com

Total Time: 2 minutes and 9 seconds