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Citizens for Responsible Government, a group opposing the Feb. 14 city election on capital improvements, and the Yes for Progress Group, supporting the capital improvements package, were asked to submit their stances on each of the five propositions involving a tax increase. These are the respective responses from spokesmen of those two groups:
Group gives reasons for support
As submitted by Daniel Shaughnessy of the Yes for Progress group.
Proposition 1: ½-cent sales tax proposition for family activities park along with expo center improvements – $21.5 million
This sales-tax issue is related to economic development within our community. It calls for complete construction of a family activities park that will serve our youth and the completion of partially funded improvements at the expo center. Family activities park is open to citizens and is an economic generator with organized youth sports and tournaments for teams across the region. This comprehensive plan addresses the needs for today and into the future and will probably be the only time voters can provide for all our youth in one vote. The proposal includes miracle field for physically disabled youth.
Proposition 2: 911/Public Safety Communications Improvements – $3 million -
Average monthly tax of $1.08 yields $3 million in 911/public safety improvements. This measure relates to public safety by providing communications expansion and upgrades for our emergency responders. Currently there are dead spots in the city, which affects communication between emergency responders and dispatch. Additionally, this measure will allow for upgrades to the 911 communications center that will accommodate the consolidation of 3 county 911 centers into the secure basement of city hall.
Proposition 3: Construction and Renovations at Woodland Veterans Park City Pool area - $3 million –
Average monthly tax of $1.08 yields $3 million in improvements. This issue is related to our quality of life by providing a new and revitalized aquatics center in Woodland Veterans Park. The issue addresses the pool, restroom and dressing facility, parking and a new splash pad. The project will provide zero depth entry to the pool to accommodate those with disabilities. As a community, it is our obligation to teach our citizens to swim and provide public facilities for recreation. The historical integrity of this park at our cultural center is of utmost importance.
Proposition 4: Street Improvements - $13 million –
Average monthly tax of $4.68 yields potentially $20 million in improvements. This measure allows us to complete the final phases of two previously funded projects as well as providing for additional street improvements. Completion of Kickapoo from Kickapoo Spur to Farrall and completion of the Downtown revitalization and streetscape projects are two critical needs. The proposal also accommodates anticipated Big Box retail and restaurant growth within I-93 school district by development of Westech Rd and four laning of 45th from Kickapoo to Bryan.
Proposition 5: Economic Development and Neighborhood Revitalization - $7 million
Average monthly tax of $2.52 yields $7 million in improvements. This issue provides funding for the recruitment and retention of quality jobs in Shawnee. It expands neighborhood revitalization efforts - including demolition of dilapidated structures and nuisances – and ensures continued momentum. Additionally it provides funding towards completion of the 2008 trails master plan and provides for sidewalks and trails dollars that are traditionally leveraged with grants.
Citizens for Responsible Government, a group opposing the Feb. 14 city election on capital improvements, and the Yes for Progress Group, supporting the capital improvements package, were asked to submit their stances on each of the five propositions involving a tax increase. These are the respective responses from spokesmen of those two groups:
Group gives reasons for support
As submitted by Daniel Shaughnessy of the Yes for Progress group.
Proposition 1: ½-cent sales tax proposition for family activities park along with expo center improvements – $21.5 million
This sales-tax issue is related to economic development within our community. It calls for complete construction of a family activities park that will serve our youth and the completion of partially funded improvements at the expo center. Family activities park is open to citizens and is an economic generator with organized youth sports and tournaments for teams across the region. This comprehensive plan addresses the needs for today and into the future and will probably be the only time voters can provide for all our youth in one vote. The proposal includes miracle field for physically disabled youth.
Proposition 2: 911/Public Safety Communications Improvements – $3 million -
Average monthly tax of $1.08 yields $3 million in 911/public safety improvements. This measure relates to public safety by providing communications expansion and upgrades for our emergency responders. Currently there are dead spots in the city, which affects communication between emergency responders and dispatch. Additionally, this measure will allow for upgrades to the 911 communications center that will accommodate the consolidation of 3 county 911 centers into the secure basement of city hall.
Proposition 3: Construction and Renovations at Woodland Veterans Park City Pool area - $3 million –
Average monthly tax of $1.08 yields $3 million in improvements. This issue is related to our quality of life by providing a new and revitalized aquatics center in Woodland Veterans Park. The issue addresses the pool, restroom and dressing facility, parking and a new splash pad. The project will provide zero depth entry to the pool to accommodate those with disabilities. As a community, it is our obligation to teach our citizens to swim and provide public facilities for recreation. The historical integrity of this park at our cultural center is of utmost importance.
Proposition 4: Street Improvements - $13 million –
Average monthly tax of $4.68 yields potentially $20 million in improvements. This measure allows us to complete the final phases of two previously funded projects as well as providing for additional street improvements. Completion of Kickapoo from Kickapoo Spur to Farrall and completion of the Downtown revitalization and streetscape projects are two critical needs. The proposal also accommodates anticipated Big Box retail and restaurant growth within I-93 school district by development of Westech Rd and four laning of 45th from Kickapoo to Bryan.
Proposition 5: Economic Development and Neighborhood Revitalization - $7 million
Average monthly tax of $2.52 yields $7 million in improvements. This issue provides funding for the recruitment and retention of quality jobs in Shawnee. It expands neighborhood revitalization efforts - including demolition of dilapidated structures and nuisances – and ensures continued momentum. Additionally it provides funding towards completion of the 2008 trails master plan and provides for sidewalks and trails dollars that are traditionally leveraged with grants.
Opposition for propositions explained
As submitted by Jim Bowles, Citizens for Responsible Government.
PROPOSITION 1: 1/2-cent sales tax increase for sports park and expo improvements
• $2.5 million for expo center improvements (replace roof on Otto Krause Building)
• $19 million for a new family activities park (formerly called the regional sports park)
1/2-cent sales tax for 10 years will not be enough money to repay the $21.5 million loan. Paying the difference out of the general fund would take money away from other, more necessary projects.
A sports park of this magnitude would be costly to operate and maintain and the author of the city’s impact study has already said the park will not pay for itself.
The actual amount of funding will probably be much less than $21.5 million and result in a mess of a park.
PROPOSITION 2: Property Tax Increase
• $3 million to renovate the Woodland Park pool, build a splash pad and improve parking.
The splash park is a “want” rather than a need and could be funded later with a more modest sales tax increase instead of raising property taxes. We recommend against any tax increase at this time because of the uncertain economy.
PROPOSITION 3: Property Tax Increase
• $3 million to improve public safety communication systems (new 911 communication tower and renovation of a combined 911 dispatch center)
This improvement is very worthwhile but there re are other funding mechanisms available other than raising property taxes.
PROPOSITION 4: Property Tax Increase
• $13 million for street improvements, specifically 45th Street, Westech Road (to the sports park), Kickapoo from Kickapoo Spur south to Farrall, and the downtown streetscape.
Again, these road improvements do not have to be funded with property taxes and if the sports park proposition does not pass, there is no need to spend $700,000 at this time to pave Westech Road which leads to the park property. Also, the third-penny sales tax made permanent in 1999 could be used for some of this.
PROPOSITION 5: Property Tax Increase
• $5 million for economic development
• $1 million for sidewalks
• $1 million for neighborhood revitalization
The definition of how this money can be spent for economic development is so vague that it could be spent on anything. The proposition needs to be more specific and funded differently.
