Editor,
With the ever growing desire to improve quality of life and economic development, municipalities are challenged with meeting the "needs" and "wants" of their citizens and businesses.
The "needs" that cities must address include: good streets, safe drinking water, reliable waste water, sanitation, emergency medical services, police and fire protection. The "wants" that cities are being faced with include, but are not limited to: libraries, museums, community buildings, convention centers, trails and parks, which include baseball, softball and soccer fields, disc golf, skate spots, playground equipment, restrooms and splash pads. Once the amenities are obtained, the work is only just beginning. Maintenance of each and every improvement must be performed to protect the investment.
Economic development and quality of life go hand in hand. The success of each is reflected by the combination of the "needs and wants" a city can provide its citizens and businesses. All of which, unfortunately, cost money.
Earlier this year, the Gentry City Council began the process of bringing an additional sales and use tax of 7/8 of 1 cent to the voters. The special election has been set for Tuesday, Nov. 4. If approved, this additional revenue will fund continued improvements to our quality of life and economic development. Regardless of how you compare the monetary effect of a sales and use tax increase, 7/8 of 1 cent equates to less than a dollar (.815) for every $100 of "goods" purchased. If you shop outside of Gentry, it is likely that you are already paying this tax, except you are funding projects elsewhere and leaving the "wants" at home to be funded at a much slower pace.
If our local elected officials are expected to provide equivalent amenities, quality of life and economic development as those found in other cities, it seems only fair that they be able to work in parity.
Our current council has done an exceptional job with its taxpayers' dollar and addressing the "needs" of Gentry. Allow them the flexibility to address the "wants" of your community at a reasonable rate, vote "YES" for the additional 7/8 cent sales tax.
Kevin D. Johnston
Gentry Mayor
Editorial on 10/29/2014