Please do not base your argument in favor of the meals tax or other such sales taxes on the basis of fairness. All the government services funded here and everywhere by such taxes have the effect of increasing the value of land in the entire community. Those who own land which is under all real estate receive an increase in the value of the asset they own while those who do not own subsidize them. This is the basic unfairness of all taxation that falls on labor and real capital investment,
I have always been pro meals tax and I will continue to be. Having worked in restaurants for many years here, I can say that the meals tax does not price restaurants out of business. I sympathize with dog owners, but there is a dog park in Ashland and many dog-friendly trails, as well. We really must remember that the greatness of our surroundings is a gift, but that we must also give back in order to continue to appreciate the gift.
so as a homeowner w/ increase of $10/month x 12 = $120/year. To rack up $120 in meals tax i would need to spend $2400/year in ashland restaurants, and i very rarely eat out. This is how low-income families are being driven out of this town.
I would support a separate 1% meals tax that went strictly to parks and open space. Not sure that a 4% meals tax is the best way to pay for thw wastewater treatment facility. Why not add a few bucks a month to sewage bills instead?
Sorry, Peter -- it's not fair and it's not a question of equity. Our family has dogs. We are unfairly forced to pay this tax but forbidden to use the city park in our neighborhood. We have to drive our dogs a long ways for outings or walk in traffic as Ashland has almost no sidewalks. We will not vote for this unfair tax. Remove the portion that goes to parks if you want it to be fair. As is, it punishes dog owners.
I don't use these so called trails and parks because they are not dog friendly.
I usually have to take my pets out of town or to the dog park of which I've heard we are in jeopardy of loosing. I know lots of people who refuses to come to Ashland for a meal out simply because of the meal tax. We do loose revenue
And all the hidden workers (camera folks, etc, etc) who produced this.
I hope this will reach enough voters.
I pay the tax. No one forces anyone to eat in any restaurant.
No one forces anyone to eat in ASHLAND restaurants. People eat in to a great extent because they value the things Ashlanders have created: Lithia Park, etc, etc.
GREAT pics of Ashland's parks and open spaces! A nice walk down sweet memory lane.
I'm voting YES on extending the Meals Tax.
I've hiked most of the parkland featured in this vid! My most treasured memories took place in Ashland parks - Holidays, graduation, MY wedding!
And I eat in Ashland restaurants at least 5 times EACH WEEK and gladly pay my share of the tax to keep those parks and open spaces accessible and beautiful.
Nice job on this informative video. I'm sold on the need for a meals tax in Ashland. Thank you for considering the options, weighing the costs, and making a choice with your vote by embracing the bigger picture.
Please do not base your argument in favor of the meals tax or other such sales taxes on the basis of fairness. All the government services funded here and everywhere by such taxes have the effect of increasing the value of land in the entire community. Those who own land which is under all real estate receive an increase in the value of the asset they own while those who do not own subsidize them. This is the basic unfairness of all taxation that falls on labor and real capital investment,
ourearthhome 2 years ago
I have always been pro meals tax and I will continue to be. Having worked in restaurants for many years here, I can say that the meals tax does not price restaurants out of business. I sympathize with dog owners, but there is a dog park in Ashland and many dog-friendly trails, as well. We really must remember that the greatness of our surroundings is a gift, but that we must also give back in order to continue to appreciate the gift.
sharkbyteme 2 years ago
so as a homeowner w/ increase of $10/month x 12 = $120/year. To rack up $120 in meals tax i would need to spend $2400/year in ashland restaurants, and i very rarely eat out. This is how low-income families are being driven out of this town.
cloudyhat 2 years ago
I would support a separate 1% meals tax that went strictly to parks and open space. Not sure that a 4% meals tax is the best way to pay for thw wastewater treatment facility. Why not add a few bucks a month to sewage bills instead?
jmarg71 2 years ago
I've heard that the meals tax is is responsible for it prices Ashland restaurants out of business.
Joyvid 2 years ago
Sorry, Peter -- it's not fair and it's not a question of equity. Our family has dogs. We are unfairly forced to pay this tax but forbidden to use the city park in our neighborhood. We have to drive our dogs a long ways for outings or walk in traffic as Ashland has almost no sidewalks. We will not vote for this unfair tax. Remove the portion that goes to parks if you want it to be fair. As is, it punishes dog owners.
2Bbrighteyes 2 years ago
I don't use these so called trails and parks because they are not dog friendly.
I usually have to take my pets out of town or to the dog park of which I've heard we are in jeopardy of loosing. I know lots of people who refuses to come to Ashland for a meal out simply because of the meal tax. We do loose revenue
3sugarbear9 2 years ago
Well done, Peter ---
And all the hidden workers (camera folks, etc, etc) who produced this.
I hope this will reach enough voters.
I pay the tax. No one forces anyone to eat in any restaurant.
No one forces anyone to eat in ASHLAND restaurants. People eat in to a great extent because they value the things Ashlanders have created: Lithia Park, etc, etc.
Alex Censor
(aka Computer Doctor of Ashland)
acensor1 2 years ago
Great job, Peter. Let's hope more than four fellow Ashlanders see it.
abrxas 2 years ago
great video Peter! Thanks for all you do every day for all of us!
Karrpaydm 2 years ago
Thanks! Great video, Peter!
GREAT pics of Ashland's parks and open spaces! A nice walk down sweet memory lane.
I'm voting YES on extending the Meals Tax.
I've hiked most of the parkland featured in this vid! My most treasured memories took place in Ashland parks - Holidays, graduation, MY wedding!
And I eat in Ashland restaurants at least 5 times EACH WEEK and gladly pay my share of the tax to keep those parks and open spaces accessible and beautiful.
Keep the tax!
GayaPapaya 2 years ago
Nice job on this informative video. I'm sold on the need for a meals tax in Ashland. Thank you for considering the options, weighing the costs, and making a choice with your vote by embracing the bigger picture.
DarceOhMatic 2 years ago