Read my lips...no new taxes

Recently, I found an opinion article by John Archibald for the Alabama Media Group.  This article included links to research that would suggest that not only does Alabama have it backwards, so does Mississippi.

First, let me provide you with the links to John’s article and to the research.  The article: www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/08/heres_why_alabama_has_it_backw.html#incart_most-read  The research: www.parcalabema.org/the-the-potential-economic-impact-of-raising-the-high-school-graduation-rate/

Now that you have read John’s opinion from the research, do you agree that Tunica County has it backward too?  Just how much has our economic development on Hwy 304 cost us and how much has it contributed to our bottom line?  And what exactly is the problem with our schools?  The Tunica County School District has millions in the bank and yet we are always just one step away from failure.

This Thursday evening is a Public Hearing on the 2014-2015 Tunica County Budget.  The County is suggesting an 8% raise in taxes.  I’m suggesting this request is too soon because the powers that be have not completed the revamping of our government.  The tax payers need to be a last resort when you have done all that you can do to reduce expenses.

And there are other issues.  At the last BOS's meeting, Webster Franklin presented what has happened to the gambling money that used to pour into Tunica County.  The suggestion was made that we need to invest in other destination activities.  Really?  Where were you when the last Board of Supervisors were building yet another golf course?  We already had 2.  Why would we go into competition with the casinos?  I will always believe this golf course was built to enhance the small subdivision that is next to it.  Read the sign...it says "Golf Course Living".  Webster, where is the feasibility study showing we would profit from yet another golf course?

And what about the Tennis Complex?  The casinos don't have one of those.  Maybe we would have benefitted and the casinos would have benefitted by investing in this part of Tunica National only.  Again, where is the feasibility study?

We've lost some really nice amendities...the MidSouth Fair...I remember being told by a former Beat 3 Supervisor that we didn't need a contract.  Really?  How's that working for us now?

Then there was NASCAR.  The public never heard what happened to that.

What about that complex that would have included indoor skiing?

Wonder what the status is on the Country Music Jam Festival?  Are they coming back to us or are they too staying in Desoto County?

Then there is RiverPark.  What are we going to do with this drain on our finances?

Everytime I see Economic Development at a BOS's meeting I cringe.  Know what I would like to see before the BOS votes on yet another tax increase?  I would like to see a written and published report from Economic Development showing how much money Tunicans have spent on the Hwy 304 projects vs how much money these projects have put into our coffers.