Editor:

The battle lines of the Fairhope tax are drawn and, as is the case with most issues, both sides have valid points.

Certainly it would be nice to have the comprehensive audit on hand as a basis for this decision but $50,000 is a formidable amount in this poor economy now further damaged by swine flu. Furthermore, we cannot afford to wait because every day we do we lose revenue that would be a vital stimulus when we need it the most.

For this downtown merchant, the most compelling argument is that visitors would be forced through their purchases to contribute to the operation of the city. If that money generated can be earmarked to improve the downtown with such things as the peoples’ trolley and pedestrian friendly globe lighting, then the tax will be a plus for downtown merchants who must compete with big box sores and shopping malls.

Finally we all know that Fairhope will soon become a city with a downtown night life of restaurants and open shops. Every day we delay on the inevitable sales tax, we will lose the revenue that can prepare us for expansion and propel us into future with flair ad confidence.

Fairhope