'Twas the Night Before Tax Day

‘Twas the night before tax day in ol’ Shaker Heights,

Its Centennial saw yet another tax hike;

The taxers were happy, asleep at their desks,

While visions of revenues danced in their heads;

Their levies were passed and bills all sent out

With the hopes that more taxpayers hadn’t moved out –

When what to their short-sighted eyes should appear?

But a dollar-sign spoof of their logo, so dear.

‘Twas the mark of the Taxpayers, gathered by rights,

On Facebook to protest the latest tax hike:

“’Tisn’t leaves you must think that grow on our trees,

“But bushels of money to take as you please!”

The taxers rebuked them and threatened to sue,

And threatened to cut vital services too:

“Less safety and roads will cause them to blink;

“No crossing guards, day care or Thorton Ice Rink.”

The voters were frightened, their hopes were all dashed,

They shuddered to think about hauling their trash;

The payers said, “Nonsense, surely they jest,

“Just keep the essentials and cut all the rest;

“Work smarter and leaner as resident elves,

“And serve Shaker Heights before serving themselves!”

But voters were weary from paying their bills,

And easily swayed when given the chills;

The election was held in the middle of summer,

Where 2 to 1, they favored a bummer.

The taxers were cheery, their con job a cinch,

More money for giving now goes to the Grinch;

But the payers reloaded and sharpened their aim,

By dropping their logo and changing their name:

“Don’t grow the tax rates to feather some beds,

“Cut the tax rates and ‘Grow Shaker’ instead;

“Grow taxpayers! Neighborhoods! Businesses new,

“Grow schools houses! Incomes and tax receipts too!”

And it rang o’r the Garden of Love and Delight –

“Grow Shaker to all when the tax comes round right!”

Thanks to all Shaker Heights Taxpayers Union supporters and volunteers during and since the summer election season. For 2013, The Shaker Heights Taxpayers Union is changing its name to “Grow Shaker”. Our mission is the same – to make our city a more vibrant and affordable place to live – but our self-titled goal to “Grow Shaker” is one we hope to share with our elected officials.

The first general meeting of Grow Shaker will be on Tuesday, January 8th, at 7:30, in the Cleveland Skating Club President Room.