Says Union Sales Tax Hike Is Ill-Advised

Says Union Sales Tax Hike Is Ill-Advised - The Missourian: Letters To The Editor

Posted: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 6:32 pm

Says Union Sales Tax Hike Is Ill-Advised By Diane Stevens, Union The Missourian

To The Editor:

Union currently has 122 acres of municipal parkland and facilities according to the welcome packet I received when I moved here last fall.

I understand voters defeated the Union park proposition last summer. Remember? I’ve learned a city-funded study had shown no need for additional sports fields but did indicate a need to consolidate or realign various city government departments. Was that study totally disregarded? Why are we having another special election on increasing sales tax to fund an elaborate park when so many residents are struggling financially?

Was the latest idea to name this 44-acre property Veterans Memorial Park intended to be the “spoonful of sugar to make the medicine go down” on the second attempt?

Franklin County’s unemployment rate is one of the highest in Missouri. The Missourian’s list of foreclosures indicates incredible family suffering, upheaval and loss. Food pantries can scarcely meet the needs of those requesting basic assistance.

Resale shops and Goodwill are full of families seeking to stretch already tight budgets. I believe those in positions of leadership in Union city government should encourage accountability and efficiency, not an additional financial burden.

I believe increasing local sales taxes for sports and recreation is ill-advised and fiscally irresponsible given the current economic climate.