Your Council Members' Positions on Proposed Bottle Tax Increase

slangwhang November 14, 2011 at 11:47 pm

The Mayor called this a "Creative Way" to raise revenue. What's so creative about raising taxes AGAIN! . The State Of Maryland pays for this, with Independence Card Purchases. So, I guess the poorest aren't that effected! BAH! ! !
The Mayor continues to pour her contempt for everyone with this issue.

Adam Bednar (Editor) November 15, 2011 at 12:37 am

How would you like to see the city address the need for school construction without raising the bottle tax? I'm interested in Patch readers' thoughts about this. You never know when someone has an idea that city officials haven't considered.

Carlton November 15, 2011 at 12:38 am

I support the bottle tax increase and I have heard it is supported by the majority of voters. I woul like to see the poll that says it is "amenable" to voters to confirm this. My position is it would make people think twice about buying unhealthy drinks, when obesity is becoming a huge problem for kids. Maybe they partially can make healthy foods cheaper at the same time?

Adam Bednar (Editor) November 15, 2011 at 12:42 am

Carlton I've been told that the administration does have polling that shows this tax is "popular." But I also have not seen the actual poll to support this. I know the state has done some work in making healthy foods more available by doing things such as making it possible to use Independence Cards at farmers' markets.

Marcie November 15, 2011 at 01:03 am

Come on, Sharon Green Middleton! Your constituents deserve to know where you stand!

Bill Pike November 15, 2011 at 01:03 am

Nice writeup.

ralahinn1 November 15, 2011 at 01:33 am

Isn't the lottery and aren't the stadiums suppose to fund revenue for the schools? Why do" the schools" need so much funding ? I can hop a bus or a light rail train and get my soda/ alcohol out in the counties. Wouldn't be the first time, since I usually get a disability bus pass anyway.

Anon November 15, 2011 at 01:41 am

Even with a reduced ticket, taking mass transit (or driving) into the county is almost always more expensive than the actual tax - with the exception of those that literally like right along the border of the city, and in which case, probably shop in the county anyway.
Also please everyone remember that the tax is on the SALE of beverages; so it has zero impact on Pepsi's manufacturing and its decision to move out of Hampden.

Sean Tully November 15, 2011 at 04:12 am

I am not opposed to an increase in the bottle tax. Violetville has a wonderful new school and I would like to see them all across Baltimore City. I just have my doubts that new schools will improve the education many of the children are receiving. If they come from disfunctional families and communites, you could send them to Yale and it wouldn't make any difference. Until the city address those issues, nothing of substance will be accomplished.

ralahinn1 November 15, 2011 at 01:02 pm

I wouldn't be so opposed to it if I thought that the bottle tax would actually stay just for the schools, but this is Baltimore, too often lately other hands go into it, I am afraid Casa De Maryland and the Teacher's Union will end up with more walking around money, among other groups wanting a part of it. Nothing stays where it is suppose to long in Maryland, first," temporary funding" goes to some group, then no one remembers that it was only suppose to be temporary. Another case of boiling the frog.

IamGayle November 15, 2011 at 02:31 pm

AAAAAAAAAAACK!! This is NOT an image I needed to see first thing in the morning! I propose we cut the pay rates and perks these 'elected' folks get FIRST!

slangwhang November 16, 2011 at 03:23 pm

I would say if you don't have it, don't spend it! That's my whole argument!
The country is screaming this at politicians everywhere. Do they ever listen. Sometimes in my household money is tight. I pay the current bills and there is nothing left for making things better. It's just reality. I don't pay the tax, because I won't buy these things with such an audacious tax. I hear this argument, I understand it. They make it histrionic, like these children are going to school in some undeveloped poor country. Abe Lincoln didn't have a computer. Nor did JFK. Some of us learned to read and write on cheap manilla paper and flash cards....Yes, we survived.....enough to form the next generations.

slangwhang November 16, 2011 at 04:05 pm

I seem to recall hearing that the manufacturer's were actually the ones who were paying extra and passing it on to the consumers. Does this tax show up on a receipt from CVS if you buy a soda?

kris November 16, 2011 at 06:27 pm

so, if people think twice about buying the unhealthy drinks and don't buy them products, then where does revenue come from to make up for the lack of bottle tax revenue?