Monday Update 2/25/08 - My Phone Call With The Mayor

Well it's Monday and the start of another week, when much to my surprise I received a call from Mayor A.C. Wharton. Just to clarify things I believe the mayor to be a good man of integrity that is in a difficult situation. But today's call caught me off guard as Mayor Wharton expressed disappointment in the petition being circulated. He alleged it was misleading and was upset that we didn't mention the Mayors recommendation to rebate a percentage back to the taxed restaurants for those that provide health insurance. No where in the resolution does it say there will be a rebate. I also didn't mention the Mayors statement that this tax was a temporary tax- I guess much like the wheel tax was temporary. The Mayor also said this money was not for the general fund and this temporary tax would require approval every 5 years or so. I guess as soon as we pay the 1.4 billion dollar debt we are off the hook!

Let's talk about a couple of things that the resolution does say such as :"WHERE AS Preliminary projections show that Shelby County Government will begin it's FY 2009 budget process looking at a minimum of a fourteen million ($14,000,000.00 ) deficit." Why is this in the resolution if the funds are not to cover budget shortfalls? Please understand I was educated in Arkansas so it may be over my head!!!

And one of my favorites: "WHERE AS such a tax is largely discretionary because those who don't want to pay it can choose not to dine out and much of the financial burden is shifted to the out-of town visitor." Where did they come up with this?

At a time when our President and Congress are providing rebates to stimulate the economy, placing a $28,000,000.00 burden on our industry and the citizens of our community is the wrong way to help Shelby County grow.

And lastly I am not questioning the Mayors integrity and appreciate the Mayor not questioning mine.

Danny Sumrall
MRA Spokesman

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