So today was voting day in Cleveland and the big issue is the renewal of a sin tax. I just got into a heated debate on Facebook with some idiots and I wanted to hear some of your opinions.
Background on the sin tax:
-For 25 years there has been a tax on alcohol and cigarettes that goes to maintain our stadiums (browns, indians, cavs) which are owned by the public and leased to the teams
-Tax is a $0.005 for a glass of wine, $0.015 for a bottle of beer, and $0.05 for a pack of cigarettes
The tax revenue built our stadiums and today we voted to renew the tax for another 20 years.
This tax (which effects both citizens and tourists) will pay for the upkeep of our city owned-stadiums. I voted yes because if we do not pay this tax the money will come from other programs such as police and fire.
People who voted no argue that the teams should pay more for their leases to cover the tax. Which I believe will raise ticket prices/concessions and decrease demand thus harming the economy.
I don't see the teams agreeing to pay any more than they already do, so I believe that continuing this tax which we have paid for 25 years is the best way to keep the economy stable.
more info if so desired:
http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/04/issue_7_will_keep_cleveland_sp.html
I don't give a shit if you did not read this. But if you did what would you vote?