10 more years of sales tax not needed

Does the city really need 10 more years of local-option sales tax? The city gave up to $40,000 to people to buy new houses and condos in the city. There are 1,000-plus houses and condos already for sale. I have a condo for sale that I cannot sell for the assessed value. Why is the city bringing this to a vote two years before the current tax expires? They can do this twice more in the next two years if this one fails. If we extend the sales tax for five more years, we can have more control over it.

In a December letter, I would not vote for an extension until we have a promise of a senior center. The city voted to demolish the public works facility and build a new one for $36 million while the 47,000-plus seniors go without a senior center.

Vote “no” on Tuesday until we get a commitment from the city.

Robert Ackerson

Cedar Rapids