E-Check is Dead

E-Check is dead in Southwest Ohio. It will die in two years in the northeast part of the state. Until then, politicians will argue about what needs to be done to make the air we breathe cleaner. Over the years, the overall trend for people in the Tri-state has been to move out of the city and into the suburbs, which results in longer commutes. As well, more people have cars (most teen drivers now have their own car, rather than having to borrow their parents' car),

Here are some simple Libertarian, market-based solutions to try.

• Lower municipal taxes for people and businesses. Currently Cincinnati, Norwood, and St Bernard residents must pay a 2.1% earnings tax. In surrounding cities like Blue Ash, Montgomery, and Greenhills, it is 1%-1.5%. In other places like Anderson, Colerain, and West Chester, there is no earnings tax. This forces people to move out of the city. It also encourages small businesses to move out of the city (business owners and managers have to pay the tax too).
• Reduce property taxes. This will not only encourage people to buy a house in the city, but it also encourages busiensses to stay in the city.
• Reduce burdonsome building codes that Cincinnati homeowners and developers face. This make it possible for somebody to refurbish an old house and make it a desirable place for somebody to live. Have you wondered why Northern Kentucky's riverfront has seen development and not Cincinnati's? Fewer rules and regulations make it easier to build nice looking buildings.

Cars are one of the biggest polluters to the air. No matter what laws are passed, people will still drive. If we can make an environment where people will WANT to live in the city, and businesses will WANT to locate to the city, that means more people will live closer to work and to stores. This in turn means shorter commutes, and even more people walking to go where they want to go. Of course this will mean fewer cars on the road, less traffic, and cleaner air.