June 2, 2006

Republican Club hears about Prop 13 and other taxpayer issues

On Monday, May 22, the Republican Club at The Villages held its monthly meeting in the Foothill Center.

From left: Lu Ryden, Shirley Ritzheimer and Jon Coupal.

Over 75 members attended and were treated to a delicious breakfast buffet of fruit, juices, bagels and croissants. During the business meeting, Second Vice President Lu Ryden discussed the upcoming June 6 primary election and reviewed the candidates and the State and County Measures on the June ballot. President Shirley Ritzheimer urged all members to vote, and to express their opinions to elected officials about issues being debated.

The guest speaker, Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, discussed Prop 13 and issues affecting California taxpayers.

Prop 13 has been very beneficial to homeowners and a constraint on politicians seeking to raise taxes. Coupal spoke favorably about Governor Schwarzeneg-ger's performance in not raising taxes and in restoring balance to the finances of the State. Just three years after being near bankruptcy, California is currently projecting a surplus of funds. Coupal hopes some of the surplus will be reserved for future needs and to pay down the deficit. There was a robust question and answer session following the talk.

The next meeting of the Club will be June 26 at 10 a.m. in the Foothill Center.

The featured speaker will be announced at a later date.