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Posted on Sat, Oct. 31, 2009 10:15 PM
The Star’s recommendations on four ballot issues
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The Star previously has offered its recommendations for four separate elections that will be on Tuesday’s ballots in Missouri. Here is a recap.
Jackson County
A “yes” vote on the Community Backed Anti-Drug Tax would provide badly needed funds for law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and a number of effective treatment and prevention programs.
The quarter-cent sales tax, which officials want to renew until 2018, raises about $20 million a year.
COMBAT’s successes include a drug court that saves taxpayers’ money by sending nonviolent offenders to treatment programs instead of prison, as well as the Drug Abatement Response Team, which closes drug houses.
The tax helps pay for police officers, jailers and prosecutors.
Independence School District
Voters have good reasons to cast a “yes” vote on an $85 million bond issue that would require a modest 15-cent property tax increase.
The district has solid plans for the funds, which include construction of two new elementary schools, extra classrooms, and new cooling and heating systems at many schools.
Clay County
Law enforcement officials properly used a sales tax first approved in 1998 to expand and help operate the county jail.
So a “yes” vote to renew the tax for 12 more years makes good sense.
The one-eighth cent sales tax, which raises about $3.5 million a year, would continue to pay for corrections officers.
County officials also want to spend some future funds to help maintain the jail.
Liberty
The city’s current smoke-free ordinance unfortunately allows people to light up in small restaurants and many bars. But a successful initiative petition placed a much stronger proposal on Tuesday’s ballot.
The plan deserves “yes” votes from residents who want to protect the health of customers and workers throughout the city.
Posted on Sat, Oct. 31, 2009 10:15 PM
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