Vote 'NO' on Summit County Sales Tax Increase - Its a Boondoggle!

Here are some reason’s to vote ‘NO’ on the sales tax increase proposed by Summit County Council:

1. The original legislation introduced on 5/12/2014 and approved on 6/14/2014 was read three (3) times and two (2) public hearings were held over a 30 day period. This is a reasonable procedural timeline for a tax levy to be placed before voters. Then just days before the filing deadline, bam …….

2. The County Council on 8/4/2014, unanimously rescinded the previous legislation approved on 6/14/2014 (making it null and void) and then approved new legislation as an emergency measure without three (3) readings and no public hearings now magically it is for just 10 years and no more ‘Arena’; these types of political bait and switch tactics do not promote transparency or accountability, in my opinion;

3. The new legislation also calls for 25% of the total increase collected to benefit the ‘General Fund’, that means County Council could fund an ‘Arena in Downtown Akron’ without any vote of the people.

I find no reason to doubt the sincerity of the County Sheriff in the need to operate and maintain the Summit County Jail, acquire, construct, equip or repair permanent improvements for the County’s 800 MHz Emergency Radio System, County 9-1-1 System and County-owned facilities. Like many voters, I generally lean toward supporting our public safety forces when presented with a responsible plan in a straight forward common sense manner, however, that does not appear the case in this boondoggle.

In general, voters would be well advised to be cautious of any use of the emergency measures act for any proposed increases in taxes, whether voted or not. My old adage is ‘when in doubt, vote it out’. Let’s be honest, does anyone in the working middle class or working poor really trust political representatives who are indecisive and politically motivated, especially when it involves taxes? Voting ‘NO’ is the best way indecisive political power brokers can be told that voters demand honesty and accountability!

The defunding of the County Sheriff’s budget was the willful and purposeful decision of the County Council. When revenues are in short supply, priorities must be established and tough decisions made. If you can’t stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen, as my Mom use to say! The County Administrator and Council should know full well, that any tax revenues benefiting the ‘General Fund’ can be used for any legal purpose the County Council authorizes; including an ‘Arena in downtown Akron’. Voters must decide whether to trust the flip flopping politicians who originally sought an ‘Arena in Downtown Akron’, or join me in voting ‘No’ and send County Council a strong message about accountability and transparency. Did County Council originally ask for an ‘Arena in downtown Akron’; without wanting it? Why do they now say, ‘we have listened to the voters’ when they didn’t listen before at public hearings?

An additional ¼% sales tax is a 3.7% increase on the current 6.75% tax rate! Appears to me County Council is just using the County Sheriff and public safety as a political pawn to enrich the ‘General Fund’. Don’t be fooled by political manipulators and power brokers folks, vote ‘NO’ on November 4th and demand honesty for any tax levies requested!

It is reasonable for the County to ask for public safety funding when necessary and then it should be for public safety purposes only. In response to the County Council authorizing 25% of the proposed increase to benefit the ‘General Fund’, a ‘NO’ vote is warranted and one sure way to eliminate any possible ‘pork barrel spending? We get enough political double talk from Washington; we deserve better from our County Council and Administrators.

Loren Sengstock

www.citizenaudtiorohio@yahoo.com