Centralia City Councilor Trent calls for lower taxes, not more spending

PRESS RELEASE

March 2, 2010

DISCLAIMER: This is the expression of an individual, not the City of Centralia or Centralia City Council as a whole.

Centralia City Councilor Trent calls for lower taxes, not more spending

Amid plans for a giant, taxpayer-funded sports complex which involve big new debt and raiding reserve funds, Centralia City Councilor Matthew Trent proposes a conservative alternative to stimulating local tourism.

Washington State levies a 2% hotel/motel tax that is deductible from sales tax and does not increase total tax. Centralia additionally levies a non-deductible, optional 2% hotel/motel tax that does increase the total consumer lodging tax. The total 4% goes to the city for tourism related activities and nonprofits.

Much of the city funding for the proposed sports complex project will be debt against the city's hotel/motel tax fund.

"My toddler will be an adult before this new debt is paid. Impacts to the general fund aside, spending hotel/motel money on a sports complex will reduce Centralia's funding of local activities and nonprofits and ensure continuance of a tax which discourages tourism. If statutory limits change, we could even see the tax raised."

"From federal bailouts and failed stimulus programs to the tax-and-spend shenanigans of Olympia, people are angry. Private businesses and families have had to tighten their belts. Cutting taxes means people keep more of their hard-earned money, which results in more consumer spending, private capital investment, and business growth."

"The city budget was tight last year, and revenues so far this year look even lower. This is deficit spending at the worst possible time. Instead of new programs and more spending, government must step back to allow the free market, the real source of America's prosperity, to work. My faith is in the fine businesses and individuals of our community."

"Accordingly, I have requested that the Mayor and City Manager have an ordinance drawn up to repeal the city portion of the hotel/motel tax. I hope other council members will join with me to make this a reality."

"Eliminating this optional, additional tax would put Centralia tourism at a competitive advantage without deficit spending or increasing the size of government. It won't solve the world's problems, but it's a start. And it's something our fiscally conservative citizens can agree with."


For more information contact:
Matthew Trent
mtrent (at) cityofcentralia.com
360-520-0746

Post-election thoughts...

Thanks so much, everybody, for your support. I am honored and humbled by this opportunity to represent you on the Centralia City Council.

I promised fiscal responsibility, respect for and defense of our God-given rights, and a departure from politics as usual. And now as a city councilor, I've sworn an oath to our state and federal constitutions. I intend to keep those commitments.

My faith is not in government force. Rather, I believe in you, the individuals of our community. You are the innovators, the risk takers, and the hard workers who drive our economy. You are the churches, charities, and volunteers who shape our values and care for our needy. You keep us informed, organized, supplied, entertained, and healthy. Government's job is to keep you free in these pursuits, not pursue them for you.

As freedom's pillars of life, liberty, and property erode, so do our prosperity and moral fabric. Of course it doesn't start or end in Centralia, but every level and locale has a role to play.

And so my challenge to us all is be involved: write letters, attend meetings, read, talk, reason, educate, pray, love, hope, and even fight. History teaches that preserving the blessings of liberty isn't easy. But let it not be said that we did nothing.

In Liberty,
Matthew Trent

Welcome!

You've found the home for my Centralia city council campaign. Thanks for stopping by!

A little about myself:

I'm 27 years old and have lived in Centralia since grade school. I graduated from both Centralia High School and Centralia Community College.

I've been married to my wonderful wife and best friend, Jenny, for 6 years. We are Christians. We have two little boys, Matthew Jr., and Jefferson.

I work as a computer network engineer at Lewis County's IT department. I enjoy motorcycling and playing guitar in my spare time.

I see the role of government at all levels as recognizing and protecting the rights of people.

I'm particularly interested in budgets and city finances, efficiency and transparency in government, community development that respects property rights, fair and affordable utility rates, and effectively leveraging technology.

I think it's time for new ideas and fresh perspectives on the city council. I love Centralia and I'm passionate about better government.

You can get to know me better by checking out my Twitter feed or Facebook page. Or shoot me an email at matt@thetrents.org or a call at 520-0746.