I had a chat with a retired guy in the states today....over the idea that DC will submit the paperwork to be a state.
He brought several subjects which I hadn't really considered.
First, states are run by governors. In this case, a normal territory (past history) would convene and have an election. The governor of the territory would be elected by the citizens. The idea that the mayor of DC would just get the job? No...that probably won't sell.
Second, after you have this election, you end up with a Governor, Lt-Governor, AG, and a list of a dozen state officials. Each requires a staff (bulkier than what the mayor's office and officials had before). Figure at least 500 new and extra employees than existed before.
Third, there's not a single place in the western world that is run by someone who is Governor-Mayor. So in the end....a new mayor will be selected, or some 'manager' will be appointed.
Fourth, how do you handle the state legislature? The city council? Currently 12, with the mayor as number 13. Would that mean that the city council disappears and become a legislature? Would both exist?
Fifth, a new state-house to be built? Figure 300-million minimum.
Sixth, state police to exist along side city police? Unknown.
In the end, I could see another 1,000 civil employees existing in this mini-state.
But now we come to the big question.....DC now gets 30-percent of its budget from the federal government. With the enlarged 'machine'....their budget would likely grow by 50-percent minimum. Who pays this?
Taxes going up on city residents? Property taxing doubling or tripling? Toll tax likely coming to the city to pay for its 'machine'?
When you go to Georgetown residents and explain this....they will ask how they really benefit from this situation? The poverty folks on the SE? Will they be able to afford living there after the 'machine' arrives?
The possibility that the House/Senate carve off federal property from the state's control? It wouldn't shock me.....lessening the state by one-third.
Maybe this is all acceptable but you look upon a tiny state that would be like half-the-size of Atlanta, and a lot of people would ask stupid questions. Maybe all mega-cities should be classified as states?
