Opinion by Richard Prawdzienski, Edmond Resident
Opinion pieces are reflective of the individual authors views and opinion. They are not reflective of the views of The Edmond Way, staff, nor affiliates, nor are they considered factual news articles.
City Edmond Chamber is thrilled to endorse the passage of raising Edmond Lodging Tax. Chamber claim tax increase will foster economic prosperity and enhance the quality of life for residents and to visitors. But, but, but; how exactly the higher tax will make us and visitors prosper?
If Chamber claims lodging revenues tax generates more sales tax dollar by encouraging visitor to dine and shop the Chamber should be recommending people to keep Edmond’s Lodging tax as low. Imagine all the people who are on long cross country trip and want to stop in between their designation want to pay a 4% tax vs a possible OKC’s future lodging tax of 8.25%?
Instead of voting a tax raise I passionately recommend citizens that the Chamber should be telling the travelers of Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas and New Mexico that Edmond’s lodging tax is the best value.
If we want to fill Edmond hotels by using the free market economy we should use better market competition vs government tax policies. Vote NO to tax raise on 28 June.