The Times editorial board has studied the nonpartisan referendum on today's Presidential Primary Election ballot. We strongly encourage the public to vote "for" the Penny for Pasco sales referendum. The ballot asks:
"Shall there be levied for 10 years, a one-cent sales surtax to reduce school property taxes by one-half mill and then districture as follows: 45 percent to Pasco School District to renovate and expand school facilities, improve education and build schools to reduce overcrowding; 45 percent to Pasco County for transportation improvements and to address traffic congestion and safety needs, acquiring environmentally sensitive lands, improving public safety and infrastructure; 10 percent to Pasco's cities for local infrastructure?"
Groceries, medicine and most services are not subject to the sales tax.
The request is reasonable and a prudent use of public money. It is a sound investment in the county's future to ease school crowding, make congested and dangerous roads safer and to preserve desirable green space - all of which will improve the quality of life in Pasco County.
If you have access to the World Wide Web, you may review the Times' extensive coverage of the sales tax debate, including a question-and-answer forum and a list of all capital projects to be built with the tax proceeds. Visit http://www.sptimes.com/2004/webspecials04/pennypasco/
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today. All registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, may cast a ballot.
