Techies Hear Bond Issue Debate

[Michael Marotta]

echies Hear Bond Issue Debate

On Friday, October 19, 2012, two members of the Travis County Republican Party board debated Proposition 1, a proposed tax to pay for bonds for "Central Health" to build a medical school in Austin. (The TCRP issued a recommendation against this.)  Roger Borgelt favored the proposal. Don Zimmerman spoke against it. Both were concise, allowing time for questions.

Roger's theme was "Dream, Dare, Do" as he outlines the benefits of better care and more doctors in our town.  For its size, Austin is the only city in Texas and one of few nationally with no medical school. We travel to Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio for specialty treatments. Moreover, Austin ranks #1 for a growth in population age 55 to 64 and #2 for increase in persons over 65 years of age. Roger said that he would not address the claims of increased employment because that is not a valid excuse for government programs.  He also said that he opposed tax money for The Domain shopping area and for support of the Forumula One race here.  This, he insisted, is different.  Seton has pledge $250 Million to this project (plus $45 million annually); the University of Texas, $30 Million up front (plus $25 million annually).  They ask the city of Austin to commit to $50 Million per year.  In addition - also not a strong point to Roger - the federal government will add $1.46 for each dollar from the city. This will be a teaching hospital, training residents in specialities.

Speaking against, Don cited facts from the Travis County Taxpayers Union and the Austin American Statesmen.  Austin already has more doctors per capita than any other metropolitan county in Texas - and we have the lowest hospital tax now. Texas enjoys eight medical schools already, including a new one in Round Rock established by Texas A & M, which provides exactly the residence training proposed for the new hospital.