Vocal point: Predictions and a look back at 2006

Last year in this space I made three predictions about 2006. How did I do? What do I think will happen in 2007?

My first prediction was “taxes will go up.” You probably thought I was going to get egg on my face, especially after voters slapped down a Central Valley School District bond issue – twice!

But the Spokane County commissioners came through big time, raising property taxes 8 percent.

That gang-of-three is just too much.

True, they waited until after the election and then (ahem!) wiped their posteriors by using the “we must maintain essential services” line, like any self-respecting public servant would do.

They said the county needed to live within its means and stop dipping into the budget surplus.

That’s stock toilet-paper for any politician worth his salt.

But commissioners Mark Richard and Phil Harris, after the vote that put their hands deeper into our pockets, reportedly said they “didn’t realize” what they had just done to their constituents.

These guys must think we were all born in North Idaho, or something.

For 2007, my prediction is you are going to see logic-defying footwork like you’ve never seen on “Dancing with the Stars.”

Just watch as the Central Valley School District ballroom ballerinas trot out these classic moves: talking of cuts in extra-curricular activities such as sports and band; threatening staff reductions and increasing class sizes; raising the specter of double-shifting or even mentioning the “Y” word.” Yes, I’m talking year-round schooling.

Based on this triple-threat, I predict this time around the bond issue will waltz to victory.

My second 2006 prediction was that someone would be unhappy with the comprehensive plan. No genius was required for that prognostication.

The Spokane Valley City Council could practically double as a subcommittee for the Spokane Homebuilders Association. After all, one of the council’s illustrious members is now officially on the SHA payroll – as Government Affairs Director, to be precise. That’s taking campaign contributions to a whole new level, don’t you think? I like transparency in government, but this is a little too transparent, if you get my drift.

Not surprisingly, Councilman Steve Taylor sees no issue with the apparent conflict of interest and reportedly said he will operate under a “higher standard.”

Having worked multiple jobs myself in the past, I lean toward the Big Bang theory, which says “the more bucks, the more bang.” To put that into words even a council member would understand, “the zeroes in your paycheck define your standards.”

My last prediction, tongue in cheek, was that a politician or local writer would be sure to say something dumb.

Ha, ha!

I was so certain of that forecast I didn’t even bother to back it up with historical examples or bad jokes.

You know, jokes with punch lines like “The President and O.J. Simpson,” “Britney Spears and underwear,” “trees don’t pay taxes” or “voters and light rail.”

So I’ll end this column with a question rather than a prediction.

Who or what will be the punch line in 2007?