The Oakland County Board of Commissioners continually is proud of itself for balancing their budget without raising taxes. This would be similar to the Detroit Lions missing the playoffs but patting themselves on the back for not losing every game.

How much lower could our county taxes be if we eliminated the services that are not necessary for the County government to operate? How much lower could our county taxes be if we allowed the fees for services provided to account for the cost of actually providing a service? How much lower could our county taxes be if Oakland County didn't subsidize corporations by working with local municipalities on tax abatements, amounting to corporate welfare?

Even more recently, the State has made a deal to force the County to collect property taxes at an earlier date to make up for the next few years, so the State can withhold revenue sharing funds with the Counties.  Being forced to take their cues from the State, County government would be in a much better position by limiting its size to the point that property tax shifts like these would be moot.

By focusing the County government's goals towards truly necessary services, the taxpayer is the beneficiary. Overall, the individual taxpayer can better spend their money than any official can on their behalf. Ideally, that is the best scenario for everyone in Oakland County.