"The Curley Effect refers to a political strategy used by James Michael Curley, a four-time mayor of Boston, where he implemented wasteful redistribution policies to benefit his poor constituents while encouraging wealthier citizens to leave the city, thereby reshaping the electorate in his favor. This approach led to economic stagnation in Boston but allowed Curley to maintain his electoral success."    Search Assistant Summary

"Curley's strategy of driving opponents outside of the city, described by Harvard economists Andrei Shleifer and Edward Glaeser in "The Curley Effect: The Economics of Shaping the Electorate," increased his political base by using distortionary economic policies, leading to long-term economic stagnation."   Wikipedia

The Curley Effect is a much studied case study for urban planners.  Taxes must be balanced with the people that pay for them.  

The question is, are Montgomery County policies driving wealthier residents to outside Montgomery County?  Why are we constantly raising taxes without a thought if we need all our services?  What measurements do we use to see if a good job or result has been obtained?  Are our taxes doing any good?  

The elimination of the owner occupied exemption hits people hardest with no salaries.  For example retired people.  
The giant bureaucracy creates lots of regulations the county must follow.  I get letters from the county about what I MUST do every year.  Imagine what a business gets.  
- Why are we supporting a school system whose criteria for success is lowered every year?
- Why are we changing neighborhoods with multifamily units?  
- Why is there a claimed housing shortage?  Why must the county solve it?
- Why don't we burn garbage to create county power?
- Why must we use batteries to blow leaves?  Batteries are expensive and have recycling issues.
- Are we tired of Montgomery County using the school system as an excuse to raise taxes?
There are so many more questions.  

Just why is the county involved in so many things without any resistance to spending?  It is time to elect fiscal conservatives to the County Council.  All county moderates and independents should think about electing a Republican.  

Google "The Curley Effect".

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William Irving, PE, an electrical engineer interested in all energies and lives in Montgomery County.