The Homevoter Hypothesis by William A Fischel
The link between homeownership and political involvement, Fischel argues, explains several puzzles, such as why displacement of local taxation by state funds reduces school quality and why local governments are more efficient providers of environmental amenities. He calls for decentralization of the fiscal and regulatory functions of government.
Although other commentators have bemoaned voter apathy and the lack of civic engagement, Fischel shows how democracy thrives at the local levelAs the ‘homevoter’ looks at all the factors that affect property values—good schools, effective management of traffic, fewer undesirable uses such as landfills and prisons—he or she becomes politically engaged… The Homevoter Hypothesis…[is] an important contribution to the ongoing conversation about how best to manage growth. -- Anthony Flint * Boston Globe *
Fischel…describes ‘homevoters’ as homeowners whose votes determine the character of local government. From their ranks comes the median voter, whose needs are most likely to be met by democratically elected officials… Fiscal efficiency in local government, Fischel argues, requires close correspondence between taxes and the services they fund… Fischel rounds out his brief for local government with examples, anecdotes, and further suggestions for reform. Though best characterized as advocacy economics, the work is well documented and thoroughly researched, encouraging the diligent reader to engage in the debate. Recommended. -- R. S. Hewett * Choice *
The Homevoter Hypothesis is a valuable contribution to debates over how to allocate land use and environmental regulatory authority among the federal, state, regional, and local governments. Fischel bring sorely needed balance to those debates. He systematically builds a theory favoring local control over land use by bringing a large and wide-ranging literature to bear on the problems of localism versus federalism. It is a very important book. -- Vicki Been, New York University School of Law
The Homevoter Hypothesis was a pleasure to read. Fischel has a unique style for an economist. This book is full of anecdotes and personal observations, yet underlying these stories and observations is very impressive scholarship. Fischel has read and internalized everything worth reading in this area, and this scholarship comes through very clearly. This book shows a different and refreshing prospective; it is rich in detail and content, but also very coherent. -- Jon Sonstelie, University of California, Santa Barbara
Fischel…describes ‘homevoters’ as homeowners whose votes determine the character of local government. From their ranks comes the median voter, whose needs are most likely to be met by democratically elected officials… Fiscal efficiency in local government, Fischel argues, requires close correspondence between taxes and the services they fund… Fischel rounds out his brief for local government with examples, anecdotes, and further suggestions for reform. Though best characterized as advocacy economics, the work is well documented and thoroughly researched, encouraging the diligent reader to engage in the debate. Recommended. -- R. S. Hewett * Choice *
The Homevoter Hypothesis is a valuable contribution to debates over how to allocate land use and environmental regulatory authority among the federal, state, regional, and local governments. Fischel bring sorely needed balance to those debates. He systematically builds a theory favoring local control over land use by bringing a large and wide-ranging literature to bear on the problems of localism versus federalism. It is a very important book. -- Vicki Been, New York University School of Law
The Homevoter Hypothesis was a pleasure to read. Fischel has a unique style for an economist. This book is full of anecdotes and personal observations, yet underlying these stories and observations is very impressive scholarship. Fischel has read and internalized everything worth reading in this area, and this scholarship comes through very clearly. This book shows a different and refreshing prospective; it is rich in detail and content, but also very coherent. -- Jon Sonstelie, University of California, Santa Barbara
William A. Fischel is Professor of Economics, Dartmouth College.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780674015951 |
| ISBN 10 | 0674015959 |
| Title | The Homevoter Hypothesis |
| Author | William A Fischel |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Harvard University Press |
| Year published | 2005-02-15 |
| Number of pages | 344 |
| Prizes | Nominated for Woodrow Wilson Foundation Award 2002, Nominated for PROSE Awards 2001 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |