It was one year ago today that I predicted in this very space that you would have new taxes to pay in Montgomery County. And once again, I was correct!

Among several new taxes in the works at the county level are an energy tax increase, and an ambulance ("fee") tax. Check past years' entries to find my exclusive report that detailed how county elected officials were able to use your taxpayer funds to create slick commercials and brochures promoting the dangerous Ambulance Fee - not even law yet!!

As I mentioned at the time, does this mean a councilmember could suggest a law, and then use taxpayer funds to print up brochures and produce TV ads to promote his or her pet project?

The ethics book is out the window again.

But back to the taxes!

Last year, I gave you one of the greatest quotes about taxes ever, from Ronald Reagan:

"If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. If it stops moving, subsidize it."

This year, I have another one of the greatest tax quotes ever to celebrate your Tax Day:

"The power to tax involves the power to destroy."

- U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall

(back in the early 1800s! - This guy must have had a crystal ball in his possession).

The County Council's power to tax has given it the power to destroy.

To destroy the lives of senior citizens who are forced out of their homes by the county's immoral and Draconian property taxes.

To destroy the county's small businesses, and scare away large firms (although I want to predict on the record, that Northrop will come to Maryland as a "[name of month here] surprise" to shake up the governor's race. Because a Virginia victory would be hard for O'Malley to overcome in the election, and the lapdogs in the local press are desperate for that Northrop to Maryland, O'Malley back to Annapolis headline. Don't you sense that deal's getting done?).

To destroy the basic services citizens pay taxes for - transit, libraries and education funding - because tax collections are down, and the county has less revenue. Despite all evidence showing that high taxes always bring in less revenue, the county executive and council are raising taxes anyway. Most of the county's millionaires have moved away, taking all the revenue with them. Apparently, the council heard that there are 4 or 5 millionaires left, and they're going to try to convince them to move as well.

They just need to get through this year, and get reelected. That is their only concern. And then, you will have the most massive tax increases you have ever paid. Will you prevent that on Election Day this November?