State law also requires the vote of the people before tax revenues can increase more than 4 percent a year. Even if the new council wanted to commit political suicide by raising taxes, state law prohibits them from doing it. What the Unity Plan does is create less government. One chief executive rather than two chief executives. By combining up to eight departments that account for nearly 20 percent of the current two governments' budget, we will have a smaller government and save money.
Merger also means a brighter future for our children.
Just look at Indianapolis and Nashville in the 25 years since they merged governments. Look at Lexington, which will become the largest city in Kentucky in 2002 if Louisville rejects merger again. Like many parents, my husband and I have a vested interest in building a strong future for Louisville. Our other two children are in law school and graduate school at the University of Louisville. We want opportunities for all of them right here so they might choose to stay in their hometown.