We pay taxes. But when we ask where our money goes, we get explanations in Chinese.
The state budget in Israel is sometimes like a thriller series. There are billions, there is a deficit, there are budget transfers, and there are budget additions. We listen, nod, and move on. Most of us simply don't understand what is really behind these numbers.
We go to work, pay taxes, and at the end of the month look at our bank accounts again and see the minus.
And there is no one to ask.
Let's take an example from Netanya.
Our volunteers examined the municipal budget and found a gap of about 200 million shekels between the planned budget and actual execution. To this day, we have not received a clear answer as to where this money went.
200 million shekels.
That is roughly three municipal swimming pools. Or 200 years of free buses from Netanya to Tel Aviv on weekends.
But this isn't just a line in a table. These are things we don't have in the city.
On October 13, we will host Member of Knesset Vladimir Beliak (Yesh Atid), who is running in the upcoming elections on the "Beitach" list headed by Bennett and Lapid.
Beliak is a CPA, economist, and jurist, and a member of the Knesset Finance Committee. For years, he has dealt with the state budget, taxes, small businesses, and issues related to new immigrants.
He sent us a detailed list of what he promoted and accomplished in the outgoing Knesset, and agreed to answer residents' questions, even after the elections.
This is precisely the idea behind "Civic Compass."
We are not for any specific party and not against any specific party. We want elected officials to answer to citizens.
We sent questions to all parties and all Members of Knesset, without exception. We asked about people with disabilities, new immigrants, the budget, and other issues that concern the public.
Now we want to see who is willing to give clear answers and who continues to speak to us only through the television.
Democracy doesn't end on election day.
On October 27, we vote.
On October 28, we keep asking.
And then each of us will be able to know whether they voted for someone who is willing to keep talking to them even after the elections, or whether they gave away their vote once again and were forgotten.
What would you like to ask Vladimir Beliak?
About the budget? About taxes? About small businesses? About new immigrants? About people with disabilities? Or maybe about something else that occupies your mind?
Everything is in Vladimir Beliak's profile on the "Civic Compass" website. You can read his report there on his activity in the outgoing Knesset, ask a question of your own, and see what other residents have already asked.
The link is in the first comment. You can also register for the meeting there.
We will ask your questions and publish the answers.
Tuesday, October 13, at 7:00 PM.
The meeting will take place in Netanya, and it will also be possible to participate online.
And whoever doesn't vote cannot later come and complain that election promises were not kept. If we want to influence things, we first need to vote, and afterwards keep asking and demanding answers.
Dr. Yigal Gutnick
"Civic Compass"
