The value push for thorough performance audits in Washington state could easily gain additional steam, and spread elsewhere, if specifically coupled to questionable spending by governments. It is on this side of the equation, rather than on the tax side alone, that anti-tax activists should be pushing. Most everyone would agree that governments should spend no more money than is needed to do a job that deemed necessary; apply proper scrutiny to one, and the other takes care of itself.

With that in mind, your tax dollars at work:

The Seattle Weekly reported in last week’s (October 12-18) edition about Seattle’s enforcement of its new strip club ordinance. The ordinance is intended to restrict activities in the clubs by, for example, reqauiring brighter lighting and a four-foot distance between dancers and customers, which means a ban on lap lancing.

The Weekly got hold of some of the law enforcement memos on investigation and enforcement procedures. One comments, “I would usually have two dances to see the subject was willing to do illegal acts for money.” Another long-time detective noted, “I have participated in covert inspections for approximately five years and have bought over 300 dances.” The Weekly estimated that works out to about $12,000.

Your taxpayer dollars at work