Libertarian Perspective
Matt A. Mayer’s Taxpayers Don’t Stand a Chance takes a hard look at how Ohio’s government operates behind the scenes. The title might sound like it’s just about taxes, but this book is about much more. It shows how nearly every part of public life in Ohio gets affected by government waste, bad priorities, and a system that rewards insiders while leaving the average person behind.
Mayer focuses the story squarely on Ohio. His examples come from cities, school districts, and state agencies across the state. The patterns he reveals are not unique to one town or one group. These problems touch all Ohioans, whether you own property, rent, work for a business, send kids to school, or just try to enjoy a safe, decent life.
The heart of the book argues that Ohio’s political system is no longer working for the people. Mayer shows how both major parties support policies that benefit public-sector unions, career politicians, and connected contractors. These groups protect each other and keep the money flowing, no matter how bad the results are for schools, roads, safety services, or the cost of living.
Libertarians will appreciate how Mayer tears into the structure of government itself. His point is simple. When government grows too large, it serves itself first. In Ohio, that means regular people get squeezed while state and local governments make promises they cannot afford. Public employee pension deals, gold-plated health benefits, and ever-growing payrolls pile up debt and force budget cuts in other places.
The damage does not fall only on taxpayers. Mayer points out how cities and counties across Ohio face cuts to police staffing, fire response, road repair, and school programs. Residents see fewer services, while government insiders protect their pay and perks. This isn’t just unfair. It’s unsustainable.
Every Ohioan has a stake in this. The quality of local schools, emergency services, and community spaces depends on how wisely public money gets spent. Mayer shows that Ohio leaders are failing that basic test. The longer it goes on, the harder it becomes to fix.
One of the most important parts of the book breaks down how state mandates and federal strings control what happens in your town. Local elected officials often claim their hands are tied, but Mayer argues that they go along with it because they like the money. That outside funding always comes with rules, and those rules rarely match the needs of local communities.
Mayer doesn’t let Republicans off the hook. Many of the worst decisions came from politicians who promised to shrink government and balance budgets. They got into office, then did the opposite. Mayer explains that real change in Ohio will not come from party labels. It will come from people who are willing to challenge the system itself.
His writing stays focused and readable. Each chapter walks through examples and facts without getting bogged down in technical language. He clearly wants everyday Ohioans to understand what’s going wrong and why they should care.
Libertarians might want the book to take things even further. Mayer stops short of calling for deep cuts or full privatization. He offers reform-minded ideas instead. Still, the message is strong. Ohio needs a smaller, leaner, more honest government that respects local control and individual rights.
This book isn’t just for policy wonks or political junkies. It belongs on the desk of every mayor, school board member, and voter in Ohio. Anyone who wants to fix this state needs to start by facing the truth.
Matt Mayer holds up the mirror. Now it’s time for Ohioans to take a good look.
Check it out on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Taxpayers-Dont-Stand-Chance-Battleground/dp/1469985098
