In a Facebook update, Patrick Von Dohlen questioned San Antonio’s budget priorities and the prospect of further tax increases. His accompanying campaign graphic sums up his criticism in three words: “Tax. Spend. Repeat.”
Patrick’s concerns about taxes and spending
Patrick’s post says the City Council recently raised property taxes, describing it as the first increase in 34 years. He says $90 million in spending cuts were insufficient to close a $158 million deficit.
The post also cites Councilman Marc Whyte’s account of a council discussion about a potential debt-service tax increase to fund the 2027 bond program. According to Patrick’s account, the city manager urged the council to focus on what the city can afford.
The accompanying graphic says the city budget grew by $1.3 billion over eight years and criticizes the discussion of additional taxes following the earlier increase.
These figures and descriptions are attributed to the campaign’s Facebook update; they have not been independently verified for this article.
Accountability for taxpayers
The post continues Patrick’s focus on government spending and accountability. Read more about his proposals in his Contract with the Residents of Bexar County.
Source: the visible portion of the VotePatrick Facebook update supplied to the campaign website team.