If you're one of 120,000 registered voters in Durham, a new mailer will soon be hitting your mailbox boasting a pro-foods tax slogan: "A Taste for Durham's Future."
Nearly 40 Durham cheerleaders, movers and shakers have come together and formed a non-profit to promote a 1-percent prepared foods tax. The tax could be implemented if voters approve in Nov. 4 referendum.
If implemented, the tax is expected to generate as much as $5 million a year to pay for new and improved cultural attractions, including the Hayti Heritage Center, a Minor League Baseball museum and the American Tobacco Trail. (See a county presentation on the foods tax for more information.)
The campaign is being steered by parties including Reyn Bowman of the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau, Bill Kalkhof of Downtown Durham Inc. and Casey Steinbacher of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce.
Officially registered as a a non-profit, the group has raised $26,500 of a targeted $45,000
Part of the publicity package will include 135,000 brochures, a Web site, and an official kickoff event from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 16 at the Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Old Fayetteville St.
Speakers will include Mayor Bill Bell and Ellen Reckhow, chairwoman of the Durham County Board of Commissioners.
Comments
Let's see, 5 mil for a
Wed, 09/10/2008 - 15:37 — AtnorLet's see, 5 mil for a racially based "cultural center", a minor league baseball museum. and a Trail. The city of Durham doesnt have more pressing needs than these to spend cash on? Thanks but no thanks. I'll be voting no.
clarification
Sat, 09/13/2008 - 07:07 — Reyn Bowman (not verified)Clarification to the blog. While I spearheaded concensus on the tax over the past 15 years, my role now is restricted to education. I do advise the group.
I hope the commentator just before me takes a deeper look at the ballot issue.
It is a special tax so special use. It will take pressure off of general taxes so more of those revenues sources can go to the general uses implied.
The 1 penny tax on meals is the same tax Durham residents pay in Raleigh and Charlotte. It can be looked at as more democratic because 40% of the cost of these amenities will be shouldered by non-residents who enjoy these things rather than just residents.