As we ready ourselves to go to the polls soon, I invite Juneau voters to keep a few things in mind.<\/p>\n
While our local government encourages us to build a $40-plus million City Hall.<\/p>\n
While our candidates point out how much their property taxes have increased and how much extra revenue this will raise.<\/p>\n
While we are overwhelmed with cruise ship passengers who, we are told, are adding “boatloads” of money to our sales tax coffers.<\/p>\n
While we start installation of our shiny new $10 million (and counting) Eaglecrest gondola.<\/p>\n
While we are — obviously — swimming in tax money.<\/p>\n
We still, after years of discussion, but with no substantive action — we still charge sales tax on groceries in Juneau.<\/p>\n
Except for seniors. Even seniors that are millionaires many times over.<\/p>\n
We know sales tax on food impacts the poorest in town to the greatest degree.<\/p>\n
It’s that much less they can buy to eat. For themselves and their kids.<\/p>\n
Regardless of age. Seven days a week. 365 days a year.<\/p>\n
It’s food for thought. Plus tax.<\/p>\n
Mark Stopha<\/p>\n
North Douglas<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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