As we ready ourselves to go to the polls soon, I invite Juneau voters to keep a few things in mind.
While our local government encourages us to build a $40-plus million City Hall.
While our candidates point out how much their property taxes have increased and how much extra revenue this will raise.
While we are overwhelmed with cruise ship passengers who, we are told, are adding “boatloads” of money to our sales tax coffers.
While we start installation of our shiny new $10 million (and counting) Eaglecrest gondola.
While we are — obviously — swimming in tax money.
We still, after years of discussion, but with no substantive action — we still charge sales tax on groceries in Juneau.
Except for seniors. Even seniors that are millionaires many times over.
We know sales tax on food impacts the poorest in town to the greatest degree.
It’s that much less they can buy to eat. For themselves and their kids.
Regardless of age. Seven days a week. 365 days a year.
It’s food for thought. Plus tax.
Mark Stopha
North Douglas