Tug of war being waged over ballot question number one

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Aug. 25, 2011 - Kansas City Mayor Sly James talks about the resignation of KCMSD Superintendent John Covington.
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Posted: 08/05/2012

By: Cynthia Newsome

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - When Kansas City, Mo., residents go to the polls on Tuesday, they’ll be asked to decide on a proposed sales tax hike to pay for repairs and maintenance at city parks and streets.

Critics are against any type of tax hike in a struggling economy. The Kansas City Star’s Editorial Board also went on record opposing question one.

But Kansas City Mayor Sly James said the proposed half-cent sales tax would leave the average family paying an extra $18 in taxes a year.

Mayor James calls the proposal a good investment in keeping our city beautiful and functioning. He said it is also a matter of safety, giving families a safe place to enjoy.

Critics of the tax hike said that city government should cut the existing budget more first, before asking for a tax hike.

Voters will cast their ballots on August 7.