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Let me be very clear as to why I caution the folks as to the allure of Mr. Magel's $52/year or $1/wk sales pitch. In Mr. Magel's own words, he laments that the cost is not included in the referendum:

"The ballot language doesn't identify the amount of the proposed tax levy. It says the proceeds would be used solely to "supplement the costs of maintaining and operating" a 24/7 clinic....."

Not included is the levy considered: 0.1 mill, which would cost taxpayers with a property assessed at $500,000 about $52 a year, as originally presented by Mr. Magel to the council at the June 4 meeting.

Why is he concerned about this omission? Because Mr. Magel understands the allure of the slogan "its $52/year", that is why he says it repeatedly when speaking publicly and privately. It is a powerful message. In fact, the rationale for including the language is equally powerful. His retort: when voting we should know the associated costs.

My retort: Let us back up and ask the more basic questions:

1. Where is the public outcry for this specific request?
2. Why the urgency?

If history is a guide, I would caution any proposal that must be rushed through because of filing deadlines. The only agendas that deserve to be rushed are emergency legislative measures, to which this does meet the criteria.

My limited dealings with Mr. Magel led me to believe, he is deftly using the allure of low cost and added services to promote what is essentially a progressive view of government.

But if you like progressivism then I believe you will like Magelcare.