Editor,
The City of Casper has spent at least $40,000 of our tax dollars to promote a yes vote on continuing the One Percent Optional sales tax imposed throughout Natrona County.
This includes $16,000 for a survey with leading questions provided by an out-of-state company and two mailings to all voters in the county costing $12,000 each.
Additionally, driving around the city there are “One Penny” signs outside government-owned properties. Public education to inform citizens of an upcoming ballot question is appropriate. However, the wording of these promotions is far from unbiased. Here are examples:
· “Sales tax is the primary funding source used to build and sustain Wyoming communities.”
I disagree. The people and their hard work are what builds communities.
· “Since 1974, the Natrona One Cent Sales Tax has been renewed by voters 16 times to pay for basic community policing, fire prevention and suppression and emergency response.”
It is not a one cent tax unless a person buys something for one dollar. It is one percent tax.
People do not want to be out of step with their neighbors. So, voting no goes against the trend. This is a common tactic in marketing. An example is what the tobacco industry used to do. “Four out of five doctors recommend Marlboro.”
It is true that the optional sales tax revenue has been used for basic services. However, the City Council always spreads the money around for other needs.
Despite the survey indicating that maintaining and fixing the roads is the top priority, the council has listed at least four general areas including infrastructure that they will consider using these funds for.
Our roads are in terrible shape especially in the neighborhoods. The council talks money for streets, but then spends very little of these funds for that basic need.
Ross Schriftman - Natrona County