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DESTINY: SPECTACULAR FAILURE

July 11, 2007

Project Destiny crashed and burned yesterday. The proposal to increase the local sales tax from 6% to 7% was crushed, 85% to 15%. The promoters of the tax had a $770,000 war chest, but were overwhelmed by the opponents' $3,500.

Some proponents of the tax quoted by the Des Moines Register were apparently disoriented by the defeat. Take the mayor of Indianola:

Indianola Mayor Jerry Kelley, who promoted the tax proposal at numerous public meetings, said Yes to Destiny was partially successful because organizers managed to sign up 43 governments for the plan on how the $750 million over 10 years would have been spent. He called the cooperation "a good thing" that should continue for the area�s overall economic health.

We'll award Mr. Kelley our Little Big Horn "Partial Victory" award.

Other politicians had a more realistic assessment of the debacle:

Des Moines city leaders said the results send a strong message from residents: They do not trust governments and will not give them more money to spend. Many said the fallout from the scandal at the Central Iowa Employment and Training Consortium is still being felt.

"People just do not trust government for spending the money wisely," said Des Moines Councilman Brian Meyer.

Bingo.

Still, there is a bright side for Destiny supporters. The tax increase was approved in Dawson, Iowa, 27-12 - the only community to vote "yes." We can now look forward to Dawson becoming the cultural and bike trail capital of Central Iowa.

Location of Dawson, Iowa's new cultural mecca.