LOST will replace lost revenues

As early voting begins, I encourage local voters to turn over their ballots and support the last question - vote yes on the local-option sales tax.

All across Iowa, because of changes by the state legislature in the tax structure which lowers taxes on rental and commercial properties, city and county governments will lose millions of critical dollars.

The local-option sales tax is a solution to replace these lost revenues and thus avoid reductions in essential services, maintenance of streets, trails and parks and needed capital projects. Most of our basic necessities - food, medicines, gas and utilities - are not subject to sales tax. If the local-option sales tax passes throughout our entire county, it is estimated that revenues will range from $16 million to $20 million annually.

Please vote yes for the local cent-per-dollar sales tax and urge your friends, family and co-workers to do so as well.

Carrie Z. Norton

Iowa City