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Yael T. Abouhalkah writes about Kansas City metropolitan issues and his columns are published on Thursday. To reach him, write in care of the Opinion desk at 1729 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108, call (816) 234-4887 or send e-mail to abouhalkah@kcstar.com.

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RECENT COLUMNS

Picking taxpayers’ pockets for the sake of developers

May 9, 6:26 PM

Kansas City area taxpayers often are run over when it comes to economic development deals.

Mayor’s first year brings big changes at City Hall

May 2, 3:11 PM

When it comes to Kansas City government, change is good. Indeed, the pace of positive job replacements and progress on key issues for taxpayers have been almost breathtaking over the last year.

KC-style water torture comes in higher bills

Apr 25, 6:14 PM

Passing a tax increase could slightly reduce water and sewer charges on Kansas Citians. But it also would boost the local sales tax. Either way, Kansas Citians are going to be paying a lot more to water their lawns, take their showers and flush their toilets in the future.

Strong leaders spur progress on key issues

Apr 11, 6:11 PM

A long recession has reduced Kansas City’s tax base. Years of cutbacks of other city agencies made it obvious the Fire Department needed trimming, too. Finally, bolder leaders at City Hall came along.

Why do so many local taxes have eternal life?

Apr 4, 6:42 PM

How does a tax die in Kansas City? Consider that just 53 percent of voters in 2005 approved the property tax increase for health-related expenses, thanks to overwhelming support south of the river. But voters crushed in the Northland, and that’s where population has been growing. Any attempt to renew the extra health levy will be a tough battle.

KC mayor seeks crucial victory in budget battle

Mar 28, 4:04 PM

Over the last 20 years, three previous Kansas City mayors have faced watershed moments early in their first terms. All stumbled badly and damaged their effectiveness as leaders for a long time.

Pending budget includes wise trims for police, fire

Mar 21, 5:57 PM

The City Council next Thursday will approve the 2012-13 budget that is likely to cut Fire Department and restrict raises to police. Both would be excellent steps toward showing that times are changing at City Hall — even for agencies long dominated by white males who are used to bullying city leaders into submission.

How KC stacks up against competing peer cities

Mar 14, 1:12 PM

Kansas City constantly competes with other large, Midwestern cities to woo young people and new jobs. So it matters a great deal how the city looks stacked up against its peers.

Backers of improvements face an massive sales job

Mar 7, 2:45 PM

If you’re an optimist about Kansas City’s future, be aware. That could be costly to your pocketbook.

For KC’s freshman mayor, the stakes are increasing

Feb 29, 5:51 PM

Mayor Sly James must lead by getting fiscally sound projects to voters, such as with streetcars and the infrastructure bond packages. He also has to make sure the city efficiently uses the $1.3 billion it already gets, which includes trimming Fire Department funds. Those are big challenges. Soon Kansas Citians will see if James can handle them.