CREST intensifying efforts to promote March 6 local-option tax vote

It's a new year and a new ballot, but the arguments for and against a one-cent local option sales tax extension remain the same.

Supporters say it's the only path to flood protection.  Opponents argue there are too many questions to confidently cast a ballot.

Last year, the measure asked for a 20-year extension of the penny tax, with a portion of the money going to flood protection, property tax relief and road projects.

This year, the time is cut in half, to a 10-year extension, with all the funds going to flood protection.  Supporters and opponents of the tax are hard at work trying to persuade voters before the March 6 election.

"We are going to be phone banking every day until the election,” said Aaron Saylor, early vote field coordinator for CREST, Cedar Rapids Extended Sales Tax.

While CREST is running low on time until the election, they're full of optimism that this year voters will choose to extend a one-cent sales tax for flood protection.

"Taking the other issues off the table has definitely turned people around,” said Mike Olson, a CREST volunteer who participated in the phone banking on Sunday.

This year, CREST says all the money is going to a complete flood protection plan for both sides of the Cedar River.

Despite changes to the ballot, Mike Augustine says his vote remains the same.

"If the money doesn't come from the federal government, then what?" Augustine said.

Augustine lives along the Cedar River on Ellis Boulevard.  The flood survivor rebuilt his home after 2008.  Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, he says he's still not sold on the city's protection plan.

"Make sure that federal money is coming before you give a blank check for whatever,” he argued. “That would be the time to start thinking about flood protection."

It's important to check your precinct before heading out to vote.  CREST volunteers say there have been some changes and redistricting.  Go to http://linncounty.org/elections to find your precinct, or you can call the auditor's office at (319) 892-5300.

Whether it's yes or no, Linn County residents vote on March 6.  That's why CREST volunteers say they'll keep dialing until the day of the election.

"This is really the purest form of politics,” said Saylor, “trying to get people out to get their vote counted.”