Letter: Occupancy taxes should pay for services

Graphic by Lori Deaton

[Regarding “Commissioners Approve $4.9M for Pre-K Expansion, Affordable Housing,” May 11, Xpress:] This state’s ruling to use the tax monies for tourism advertising does not make sense from a fiscal standpoint.

The funds should be used to benefit the communities and to pay for city and county services such as infrastructure. Having sidewalks, road improvements and replacement of inadequate sewer pipes will benefit both tourists and residents.

— Anne Barker
Asheville

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2 thoughts on “Letter: Occupancy taxes should pay for services

  1. John Smithe

    Agreed. We don’t need to waste money on advertising where Asheville is, people already know. Asheville is full of broken streets, twisted signs, and too few sidewalks. People are free to park on either side of already too narrow roads, creating traffic bottlenecks and increasing danger to pedestrians.

  2. R.G.

    If our politicians do not come to their senses and allow us to use these funds for much-needed improvements to our city and area, I believe we should all refuse to work, refuse to serve tourists, and refuse to do anything that anyone in power says we must do…we the people should all quit our crappy service industry jobs, go on welfare, and force government to support us. It’s idiotic that there’s all that money being pissed down the drain. Therefore, we the people should do something equally idiotic (but brilliant and brave!) to prove the point. Rise up, Friends and Neighbors! Unite For Community And Quit! Get on the government dole and tell those in Raleigh What Is The What!!!

    Tourist Season is upon us…Let’s All Get Lazy, Y’all!

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