*** Do you think the Mayor will try it again with his water park and other ideas?

We may have high sales taxes, but that’s because no one here in Arkansas want to pay property or income taxes. Further, the argument against sales taxes should be that they are regressive and force people in poverty to pay the same amount of taxes as those in the top 1% of incomes. On the topic of inflation: it is inevitable due to the prior failed presidential administration and them messing with the Federal Reserve’s interest rate. I will not deny that inflation is occurring, but there are things we can do for people who are hurting, such as giving homeless and disabled folks a place to stay (instead of NIMBY-ing them out of the public eye), increasing aid and volunteering at food shelters, and donating to social causes around town. There are things we can do to mitigate the high sales tax and inflation here in Arkansas, and it starts with those of us who are fortunate enough to have a little disposable income to help those in need.

[ Editor’s Note: There’s a lot going on here. Let me first start by explaining “ NIMBY- ing” — it’s an acronym for “ Not In My Back Yard” and it’s used like this: “ We need more prisons!” “ Well, let’s build one in this city.” No, not here! Somewhere else!”

Second off, the government has to have money to operaate. You might not like how the government chooses to spend that money, but we’ve elected people to make those decisions, so if you don’t like it, you can vote against those people.

Third, taxes are completely necessary. I hate them, you hate them, we all hate them, but without them, we can’t build roads, fund schools, have fire and police protection, etc.

Fourth, you’re absolutely right about sales tax being a necessary evil. With lower sales tax, you’re going to have higher property taxes or income taxes.

There’s actually a push right now to get rid of the State Income Tax, which sounds great until you think about how the government is going to make up for all of that lost revenue. Yep, you guessed it… by raising other kinds of taxes, including taxes on gas, food, real estate, and even higher sales taxes. I do agree 100% with you that those that have enough or more than enough need to step up and help those in need.

It is absolutely mind- boggling that here in 2021 ( nearly 2022) that there are people right here in our own community who do not have food to eat or a place to live. We can do better!]

[ Editor’s Note: Sure. I imagine it will either be a big part of his re- election platform or something he reintroduces in his second term, assuming he wins. It is important to note that he actually has a lot of good ideas, but he’s got to figure out a way to do them without a higher sales tax, whether it’s gaming revenue, higher tourism taxes, a general bond or some kind of matching grant funds]

*** Just saw that Pancho’s sold their dip business to some group up north. So much for local business. I guess it really was all just about the money, huh? [ Editor’s Note: I hate to be “ that guy” but yeah, when it comes to business, you have to have economic stability. It is literally about the money…]