Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 2 a.m. (Suggest removal)

http://sostrategy.com/

Sounds like some big money is opposing Natchez getting ahead.

Posted by LdyBreez (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 6:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Natchez Democrat needs to contact Isle of Capri and ask them why Stan Flint has them listed on his page of that site OldGrandDad.

http://www.sostrategy.com/lobbyists.php#...

looks like they keep him on a retainer much like a lawer.

Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 6:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It is not dead yet, but i would have to say it is in the Bill ICU right now and it is not expecting a full recovery ........

Posted by flylo (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 6:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why tax hotel guest that may be in town working, or seeing a sick relative. Not everybody comes to Natchez, or any other place that has hotel tax to visit a convention center.
But those folks staying in the hotels do have to eat, buy gasoline, and other comodities.
Why was the convention center built if Natchez can not afford the dang thing. Why tax folks that don't even use the place. Just charge a higher fee for those visiting the center.
Recall the unfair taxation issues we studied in school, and how tea was thrown off the ships in Boston Harbor. When is enough tax enough? Heck someplaces there is even a departure tax when you die.
I use to spend 12 days a month in Hotels I got so sick of this tax money that was robbed from me each place I stayed, In all it made the rooms cost about 10-15 dollars more per night.
No I don't like taxes!!! (That is unfair taxes)Enough is enough, I'm just glad there are others that decided too that this was unfair and have stopped the tax for now.

Posted by snatchez (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 6:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

stan flint is a lobbyist that represents the Isle. He has been in Natchez many times representing the Isle. He is like a leach that sucks the blood out of everything. Why doesn't the Isle just tell the truth about Flint. He represented the Isle in fighting the Indian casino in Jackson county.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 6:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LdyBreez, yes I would love to be able to read about the Democrat investigating this. But I really think this would give one or all of our mayorial candidates a chance "to shine". We've heard about contacts and experience. Lets see who has the ability to turn this around.

Posted by canttoteitdragit (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 6:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry OldGrandDad but I don't think raising taxes is
getting ahead. We need more taxes like we need
another hole in our head! I used to plan trips, been
in all but one state. I called the State (free call) and
they sent a great magazine about the whole State and don't forget the internet. I would like to have that extra $2.00 to tip someone that really needs it.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 6:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

flylo, I understand your feelings on taxes. But at least accept my thanks for confirming that other places do this and that Natchez is not unique in trying to get this.

Posted by flylo (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 7:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh Yea they do it else where OldGrandDad and it just makes me sick. Why should I have to pay for a convention center. The money comes out of my pocket and I've never been to convention centers during my travels . But yet it cost me around 50 dollars each month to pay this toll for staying in these locations, but lucky for me sometimes I am able to plan my stays and I usually try picking locations that "DON'T HAVE HOTEL TAXES", so not only do they not get the tax money from me they don't get the chance to sell fuel, dinners, and anything else I might need during my stay.
Again why can they just not charge more at the door for the folks that want to use the convention center, and or charge the vendor more, don't make someone that's not using the center have to pay for it.

Posted by roberth33 (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

flylo, $2 isn't going to break anybody. Also, hotels, rental cars, plane tickets--virtually every state and city in the US tax travelers. Look at your bill next time you rent a car someplace. Florida charges something like an additional 10% of the rental fee.

And since you live in Natchez, you will never have to part with your stinkin' WHOLE $2.

Gimme a break.

Posted by Happy (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As a taxpayer, I'm for any more tax increases in our community. Give the poor people a break.

Posted by geauxtigers (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

$2 isn't much...and it's money coming into your community from people who VISIT here...not the people who live here. The money is going to be used to keep a flow of people visiting Natchez...shopping in our locally owned shops, spending money in the town...it's all cyclical. The more tourists we can attract, the more hotels and restaurants will want to come here thereby creating jobs for the locals...see?

Posted by roberth33 (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Happy, unless you are planning in staying in a hotel in Natchez, you DON'T pay the tax.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The News release is very misleading! Someone is not telling the truth? Who is against the Bill? Seems like the Mayor should do his job and find out! More lawyers involved?

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Off subject: Has anyone seen Mayor West's campaign ad on t.v. It states that police, city employees and fire dept. have all recieved pay raises. I know the city recieved them but have not heard about the police and fire depts. When did this happen? Please enlighten me if you have the time.

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The police and fire had an increase at the end of 2006.
On another note, I talked to someone who is will connected with the Legislature. Sen. Hob Bryan, subcommittee chairman of the Senate Finance Committee killed it. He killed all bills that were similar to ours. His actions affected Hattiesburg, Jackson and Starkville.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 7:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hitormiss, Since you have close contacts with the Mayor, maybe you will be able to fill us in on what connection the Isle of Capri had with this? I find it very disturbing that one particular business could (possibly) influence this through one particular senator.

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I do not speak for the Mayor. I do not believe that Sen. Bryan was influenced by the Isle. OldGrandDad, the Mayor's home number is listed in the book. Why don't you call and discuss, not only this matter but the other concerns you have with him? You might find that he is not the person you make him out to be.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hitormiss, You sound defensive. No need. I only want to know how this particular lobbyist or the casino (capri) was involved in this bill being crushed. Unless they were not involved in any way and the Democrat made a serious error.

I'll talk to Boss Brown about a call or two. Maybe he'll allow it. My trustee privileges only go so far.

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OldGrandDad,
Not defensive at all. I don't want you thrusting for knowledge. Just offering a way to quench the thrust.

Posted by SimpleSimon (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

geauxtiger, I don't really care to see any more taxes because enough is enough. It doesnt matter if it can be played off as oh its only on the people who don't live here. Its that kind of attitude that leaves the door open for more taxes elsewhere. Enough is enough.

So why dont we, if we follow your theory, put more taxes on the cost for gas. Say enough on a ten gallon tank to come up to about a dollar more for that same ten gallons. Ratio that out with the number of people that live here and that should be a pretty substantial amount of money. Lets say that that money is to be used for road work. Now there is a good place to spend it. After all you need good roads for tourism and its all cyclical right? And besides whats another dollar. Heck you cant even buy a thing of fries from mcdonalds for a dollar so you might as well give it for the good of the community. While we are at it lets add another dollar or two to your property taxes you pay cause that money would sure come in handy for fixing up those old buildings downtown to make em more attractive. You wouldnt miss those couple of dollars anyway. Cartags.. doggone lets raise em ten bucks and we can build some nice new ornate bridges for the wonderful tourist to see. I see all sorts of possibilities. Come on now.... lets do it for the good of the community. I mean after all the average tax payer is going to see tons more money coming in on their minimum wage job supporting these tourists. Who makes the real money the business owner! Average joe citizen is sick of taxes!

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SimpleSimon - "who makes the real money the business owner" --- I am a business owner - I am sure some people would think I'm rich - HA - I work 6 days a week - I average Monday to Friday 14 hour days. If I'm lucky I can pay my bills and sometimes I scrape the minimum wage. People who open their own businesses hope to be successful, most new businesses fail within 3 years. There are many businesses in Natchez (and in the USA) that are on the edge.

I agree that adding taxes to business owners car tags or property taxes would hurt (everyone). Adding the tax to the hotels and promoting Natchez better would help everyone. Without tourists Natchez would have no restaurants, tour homes, hotels, no music festivals, no balloon race, no visiting car clubs, no literary festival, no food festival, no antiques forum, no conventions, almost no downtown stores and no mardi gras. Without tourists the population of Natchez would drop and unemployment would go through the roof. Is that what you really want?
(I am sure you will reply that without the Garden Clubs and the Hysterical Society we would have lots of industries and streets paved with gold).
Ferriday, and Helena Arkansas have similar locations no garden clubs yet are dead - don't blame everything that's wrong on tourists, the garden clubs or preservation.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 9:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Natchez1, thanks for saying that very well. I have family and friends with downtown businesses and I know that they would benefit from increased tourism. And then they (family and friends) would be in better positions to have their cars and trucks serviced by local mechanics or maybe buy new ones. They might also be in better positions to hire carpenters, plumbers and electricians to work on their homes or maybe even buy new homes. And then the mechanics, auto dealers, and carpenters would be in better position to buy stuff. And so on. All of this is basic economics and it used to be taught in the high schools. I wonder what happened...... What a world, what a world.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well said natchez1.

I'm not normally keen on taxes either. Some eight or ten years ago, I calculated how much I paid in federal, state and local taxes. It came to a whopping 48.7% of my total income!

But, I can see this tax as using the tourist dollars to reinvest into the tourism industry to make it stronger. Las Vegas seems to have a lot of money to advertise and market, why shouldn't we have a little?

The tourism industry, and those who have preserved and promoted it over the years, is the only goose we have left. Don't kill the goose who laid the golden egg!

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nice to have some people that agree - OldGrandDad, maintaining my building does keep lots of local people busy, as does maintaining the business vehicles.

Many many people have moved to Natchez and created jobs because of tourism - some prosper; some crash and burn - same in any town. Without 77 years of preservation those people would not have the opportunity.

I'm lucky - I have adapted and changed, as the market changed - it has not been easy, but sometimes it all seems worth it. Sometimes I long for the 37.5 hour work week - four weeks paid vacation, health coverage, bonuses, and a steady pay check. Oh those were the days!

Posted by ghost (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 10:45 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ghost...completely off topic, and fear mongering as well...relax, the sky isn't falling...YET!...LOL.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe ghost dropped some dna somewhere and is worried it will be tracked back to him. He sure seems to be in a panic. I'd prefer to tax hotel rooms. And I'd love to hear positive news on this.

Posted by sdaafrye (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 11:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is too bad. You go to Baton Rouge and you will pay a 10.00 hotel tax. New Orleans is like 12-15 dollars. It is sad that the legislation is lacking in judgement

Posted by SimpleSimon (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 11:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not blaming anything on the tourists and i could care less about the societies... I am saying no more taxes. And old grand dad thsnk you for backing up my statement - all business owners. Now I am not against economics which i understand, but the extra money should come from the convention center. But if you want to tax support industries then lets tax all dining establishments but the fast foods. They are part of the tourism trade too so like the hotels they should support the convention center. Dont want to tax fast food cause that all the regular joe can afford and regular joe for the most part doesnt go to the convention center.

Think about this... right now the hotels in natchez are full of construction workers. These are people trying to make a living. Two dollars can mean a lot to them. I know... I make my living out on the road and I hate paying those high taxes for cities of which New Orleans has to be the worst I have seen so far. I am paying for something I will never use while I am busting my chops just to try and make a living. ergo I am against taxes. We have too many now.
Disagree with me or not that is how it is.

Posted by NtzMom55 (anonymous) on April 17, 2008 at 2:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We don't need any new taxes of any kind right now. We're taxed so much now that it's almost time for "that tea party" again. Only this time instead of putting tea in, how about tossing in a few politicians, lawyers and judges...plus one mayor to sweeten the deal.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on April 17, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Amend!

Posted by SimpleSimon (anonymous) on April 17, 2008 at 8 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just a final thought before they kick this one to the archives... The trickle down theory was nice when it first came out but does not apply to today. Whatever is left to trickle down is so slight that it feels minute. The brunt of the bread is kept on the table and the worker man picks at the crumbs. I am not saying that the business owner doesnt have a right or deserve to make a profit but unless the workers see some more profits the rate of recycling this cash is going to fall off because they will be too poor or spending the brunt of it on necessities of life to be able to afford the more enjoyable things in life.

Posted by niderbip (anonymous) on April 17, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"I agree that adding taxes to business owners car tags or property taxes would hurt (everyone). Adding the tax to the hotels and promoting Natchez better would help everyone. Without tourists Natchez would have no restaurants, tour homes, hotels, no music festivals, no balloon race, no visiting car clubs, no literary festival, no food festival, no antiques forum, no conventions, almost no downtown stores and no mardi gras. Without tourists the population of Natchez would drop and unemployment would go through the roof...."
------------------------------------------------------

your right, it doesn't hurt anyone (except those actually paying the tax; the very people you say you want to attract).

DROP the hotel tax ALTOGETHER (nobody else is), and advertise THAT. And if like someone said "it's just a lousy $2", can you please post your mailing address so you can send the tourists you want to attract a rebate?

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 17, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Simon -- maybe you are simple.
Business owners are not all making a killing, most work hard and long hours. They work hard to train their employees - if their employees are good they pay them what they are worth. Employees have to generate far more than they are paid. This seems to be something that many employees can't understand.

Employers pay additional tax and insurance on top of what the employees get paid. Employers have to cover their overheads, debt payments, taxes, rent, etc. An employee has to contribute to this.

A general rule of thumb is an employee has to produce 3 times their pay to be worthwhile. If you pay someone $20 an hour they have to earn the company $60. This is not profit. This money covers times when business is slow, expenses rise etc. In my business paying an employee $10 an hour - it is very hard to find an employee that can generate $30 an hour - bill $1,200 a week. If I'm lucky they can produce $600.00.

On jobs where the pay is good and the costs are low they often seem to resent that I made money. They forget the days when they produced no income due to mistakes - or a lack of work.

In Natchez there is a limit to how many people that can afford to pay two people $60 an hour for any length of time. The trickle down theory is still valid.

I am sure that you may reply that some CEO's make $100 million - this is the exception - and yes that is very hard to justify (as is some sports star pay and actors) But the fact is this is a tiny minority and those people get paid that because of the income they generate.

If you look at the financial pages you will see many major business are struggling. Most of these businesses though will keep going keep paying their employees and recover when things improve.

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 17, 2008 at 10:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The hotel tax passed this afternoon.