Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 5:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't forget that this initiative first wanted to tax meals as well, meals that already have two "hamburger" taxes on them, and that it has been mentioned several times that the 2.00 bed tax is necessary because the people don't want to pay the tiny ten cents extra on a twenty dollar meal. The people are guilty of making this 2.00 tax necessary because they are stingy.

Don't forget too, that in talking about tax only the tax revenue has been mentioned, never the gifts, gratuities, and donations clause in the bill. Why? Remember that the bill had to be rushed onto the legislative calendar at the last minute, like other "rushes" around here, so the people had no time to have any input on the bill.

Don't forget that the tax will take a potential 400,000.00 a year out of the local economy that will be spent in other cities on behalf of a small group of Natchez businesses, and these businesses already receive various incentives that improve their profits. If the tax doesn't pass, these business will have to advertise themselves, more people will come, and the 400,000.00 lost on the tax can be spent other places around town. It's hard to move a hotel or casino.

Advertising will help our area, no doubt. It will help some businesses a lot more than others. But show the hotels and casinos and the elected officials that we, the people, are to be respected. Vote no this time. Insist the bill be rewritten to include having the interested parties on the tourism council put up some of their own money to match what will be raised from more taxes. Have the bill rewritten to include that it should be voted on every two years to make sure the big guys match the tax funds.

Failing that, the only way to insure a larger share of the tourism market gets circulated among all is to invite union organization of all the workers in the tourism industry, like is done in Las Vegas. We sure don't want that to happen.

Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 6:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

enkir your posts are too long, keep it short and to the point. Your entries are more like essays.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 7:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Excuse me mike, I keep forgetting that we live in a region of eight states that are linked because the poverty rate is 41%, due in large part to poor education.

Vote no for the tax because it is unfair. Anyone that wants to know why it is unfair and how it can used as a bargaining chip feel free to email me.

Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 7:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't have any issue with your opinions, but if you want to write articles, put in an application with the democrat.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 7:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I would, but I don't think they pay what I would be wanting.

Posted by pittypat55 (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just ignore him. I find your essays very informative, even though I don't always agree with them.

Posted by sandyman7 (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A TAX IS A TAX IS A TAX IS A TAX...Enough already vote NO for more tax .!!! And TAXES create jobs ??? Seems like I hear that from a Political Party..Hmmmmmmmmm

Posted by NatchezEnema (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lets call this what it really is. This is a tax on the public to help promote private business in Natchez. Why would I or anybody else in Natchez think that putting more money into this money loosing tourist industry hands that it will help the rest of us? We have given enough with lack luster results. A new convention center that was dumped on outsiders to run because we couldn't(mismanaged). A new modern visitors center that can't tell me or you how many tourists are comming to Natchez or returning to Natchez(mismanaged). They can't tell you me or anyone else how many people stayed in motels or hotels lastnight, last week, or last year. How can they tell me a guesstimate or how much money this tax will even bring in? How much grant money(tax money) in one way or another has been directly or indirectly spent on helping this industry, be it new light poles, sidewalks,trails,golf court expansion, signs, kiosks and costly labor, you name it. I see a lot of these tax signs in the yards of the big ole homes around town. Monmouth, Dunleith the Natchez pilgrimage business and such. I wonder about how much money these big old homes and businesses donate to the childrens homes, elderly center, stew pot and such worthy causes. They already get tax breaks and incentives that the regular home owner doesn't get just because they live in the old house. I never see any balloons sponsored by them at the balloon races, christmas parades, blues fest or ever read of any donations made by them. They have been given a yellow brick road too long in Natchez. I am for tourism, don't get me wrong, but we have put our eggs in this basket too long people of Natchez. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see this so called industry has been mismanaged, misguided and has not changed with the times or had any new vision. This is more work for the small hotel,motel workers to manage, collect and worry about. I know from being in business, more tax to worry about is never easy to deal with. These boards, committees or whatever you want to call them are to vague and no one can see through the smoke to know where, who, how or when this money will be spent. I tell you what. Go to your banker and tell him you want a loan to start a new business without a business plan or build a new house without a blueprint and estimates in place. See what he will tell you. "COME BACK WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR CRAP TOGEATHER". I think we should say the same to this tax! Funnel some of that money to help promote other non tourist businesses and I might consider it. Their business is no better than yours or mine. Natchez Democrat do your JOB, get on them, and shed some light on this dark smoke filled backroom deal!

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You know NE, I think the eventual plan is just to put barrels in front of eveyone's house so we can just dump our money into them for the daily pickup no questions asked. I find that at local, state, and federal level if you write with direct questions responses are about one percent, and those responses are directions to "read the website". I am sick of it myself.

I don't like legislation that is presented one way and does that and more or something else entirely. Try and get answers though. Our role is to provide the money and take orders. Only they still are requiring our vote to make us feel good. Sheesh!!

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's the thing NE. I've spent several thousand dollars of my own money trying to promote the area. Had a woman from Holland come over, won't tell you exactly what happened on here. She is a business consultant who has worked on major projects, public and private in the Netherlands. She is from a pharmaceutical family. This is what she tells me today:

"As for a documentary on your area: lovely idea, its a beautiful area. However from what I saw visiting I seriously doubt if you have enough resilience and enthousiasm to turn that region around without a charismatic leader that is firmly rooted and loved within your community."

She also produces documentary films, some of which one international awards last year. Can you imagine the impact a documentary of some worthwhile effort being made in Natchez to join the modern world would have at an international festival?

This is what she is working on now, while also writing a bachelor's thesis on sustainable development:
http://www.rotterdamclimateinitiative.nl...

This is what our eventual hope is, something we have dead capital in:
http://www.bforb.nl/zjian/EN-TourismNatc...

Also, last year I paid for Mike Hodgkinson of FX Bikes to come visit the area and to talk about distributing this new type of lightweight motorcycle he has designed. I asked the Democrat if they wanted to interview him, he has been in several major powersport magazines around the world and the hunters and landowners would be interested in what he is doing, but the Democrat declined to interview him.

His site:
http://www.fxbikes.com/

If the efforts of individuals can't be supported because of shortsightedness we all lose. We do need some big time change around here. Putting money into the same old pockets just isn't going to cut it.

Posted by lsuken (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pardon my ignorance on the specifics of this tax, but I am from out of town and am staying in a Natchez hotel.

Who is paying this tax? If it is a "$2.00 bed tax", won't it be mostly out-of-towners who pay this? The

It is mentioned above that this would potentially remove $400,000 from the local economy. I can tell you that I am not going to change where I eat and shop while I am here because I had to pay an extra $2 per night for my room.

Generally, I'd rather have the extra tourists and the extra tourist dollars brought by the new advertising then worry about the $2 that will removed of "potential" spending by the current level of tourists.

Again, if I am incorrect on the particulars of this proposed tax, I apologize.

Posted by natchezsouthside (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It is NOT a tax on Natchez residents unless you stay in a hotel.

It is a tax on tourists--the same as MANY other states and jurisdictions apply.

VOTE YES!

Posted by GEORGE (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

IF THEY FIX OUR STREETS OK

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No, you are correct lsuken. The issue is public donation of capital to international, national, and local corporate bodies who already get heavy donations through many kinds of tax incentives. Meanwhile, half our children in high school are functionally illiterate, our polticians are unresponsive and evasive, and we call looking forward harkening back to to 1960 instead of 1860.

In speaking of this tax the paper and the proponents speak in a collective sense of good for the community. However, certain groups of individuals gain the most of this collective good.

As to out of towners, we live in regional economies and not in separate islands. We are them and they are us. Taxing to provide advertising for corporate interests is not in the interest of the people. Unless the corporations match the tax. Then it approaches being fair.

I am curious, are you staying in one of the globally established hotels that provides newspapers to its guests? If so, what papers does your hotel provide? One that advertises for the new tax, maybe?

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Enki /Good Morning! You know that I call shots as I see them! I was against the "Food Tax" because it would every individual in the City Limits and some people just have limited incomes and we all should think of these persons. In reference to the so-called "Bed Tax" , I would be for it if would be used in a reasonable manner for advertising purposes only for the purpose of promoting Natchez! I have talked to many people, friends and kin, and just about everyone is against it!

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good morning rushinghjr. In truth, I would support such a tax if it were matched by the represtented parties. I think that would be a fair arrangment.

If, as lsuken suggests, the tourists don't mind paying the tax, then the hotels could just charge them two dollars a night more and donate that money to the advertising effort without involving the legislature. That is the kind of observation that makes me suspicious of intent.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree!

Posted by whataboutit (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Isuken, are you sureeeee you are from out of town?
"generally, I'd rather have the extra tourist.........."
The letter to the editor has great views. Read it if you have not. That letter should make up your mind.

Posted by linenbreeze (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnKiKur
We all learn from your "essays" so keep them coming.

Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

George, it is not going to fix the first street in town. It is going to advertise the pilgrimage all over to bring in more tourist to help restruants and hotels that will help bring in more tax to advertise more in more areas that will bring in more tourist that will pay more tax that will .......See what I mean?

VOTE NO ON THIS TAX PLEASE!!!!!!

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Did they start the chat yet? I haven't seen anything come up on that page yet.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

About those streets, I ride a dual-sport motorcycle and it makes them fun. Heck, it wouldn't even matter if they turned back to gravel or dirt to me. I would stlll ride in comfort.

Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on May 28, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnKiKur, try http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/chats/200...

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nothing comes up exit the enter text box Gary. Did anyone ask any questions?

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My mistake, I thought she was doing it today. Its tomorrow.

Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on May 28, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I do not know if we will get to see the questions but the box is online to ask questions.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I sent one in. I asked that since one of the original plans was to tax food a nickel per ten dollars, and since the 400 thousand dollars they expect to bring in calculates back to at least to, but probably more than, 83 million in gross revenue to hotels, casinos, and restaurants, why don't they just tax themselves that same nickel per ten dollars. The implication has been that the people are not doing their duty for the town when we resisted the exact same tax on food.

Is my math right? I slept a lot in math class.

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was going to ask if EnKiKur nor rushing jr had submited a question. I also submitted one i ask what are the plans to spend the money if it is passed? Is it in writting and can we see it?

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It isn't in writing so we can't see it yet. What do you think fire, if they were willing to tax us a nickel on ten dollars, shouldn't they be willing to tax themselves a nickel on ten dollars to advertise their own businesses?

I would go for the occupancy tax if they would, but not until the legislation is amended next session.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The legislation says the tax portion on marketing and advertising, but doesn't specify what constitutes marketing and advertising. It is a maxim of law that deceivers deal in generalities, so the legislation should spell out what constitutes advertising and marketing. Kevin has already suggested that 40,000.00 of it be used to hire a person to enforce laws pertaining to unused buildings because that would be a form of marketing, making the town more sightly.

There is another portion of revenue provided for in the bill that allows them to pursue grants, and collect donations and gratuities for staging events and lets them decide how that money gets passed out.

Posted by firered (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I asked if the tax could ever increase from $2. Also, I swear I drove by a sign downtown that said vote for the tax, blah blah and something about creating new jobs? Am I correct? Is this one of the perks they are using to try to get people to vote for this tax... I can't remember if it is or is not... So if not my question is gonna look really stupid! LOL

Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on May 28, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Editor's Note: natchezdemocrat.com moderators retain editorial control over Discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. natchezdemocrat.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties."

Okay, but it would be interesting to see all the questions. In fact, all the questions should be made available on the papers website, since this is one sided (another party will not represent the opposing view of the tax)! JMO

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

nah, your question is fine firered. there are no stupid questions in life!

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We could stage an internet tax protest. All the no voters or unsure voters could send in the same questions. It would be hard to ignore then. So far the no's have it, so we should all join up. That's how democracy is supposed to work.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Press release from Ms. Durkin last year:

"Visitors will take delight in the hotels many amenities such as complimentary breakfast, in-room hair dryer and coffee maker, iron and ironing board, and a weekday
morning newspaper."

http://www.visitmississippi.org/press_ne...

I wonder what complimentary newspaper they give to their guests?

Posted by hossfly (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Any posts over five lines is too much. You people should be in Washington writing legislation.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 5:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Apparently we are desperately needed in Jackson first.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hossfly, while it is easy to cast one's gaze toward the ground and softly mumble "Obedience is freedom, I will do as you say", some of us prefer to go cheerfully proclaiming "Don't Tread On Me!"

Posted by Riffian1964 (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Would you all answer ONE QUESTION for me? If our tourism "department" was SO BAD that we had to turn it over to an outsider to manage/take any money made..... WHY are the exact same local people running it as before? This is the baseline question people!!!! The only difference is that any profits are going to Mr. Reuther. The management is exactly as it was when the Mayor and City Council turned it over for NEW management! I have asked various aldermen, the Mayor, the mayoral candidates and never gotten an answer. It is absolutely ridiculous to play such a shell game and not have it questioned in the media! Where is the hungry young reporter looking for a Pulitzer?

Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on May 28, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Riffian1964, YES! You are correct.

It is the typical just give us more money and we can do better!

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 7:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Riffian, hungry young reporters don't get Pulitzers. Obedient old reporters who have earned the chance get to break out of the pack for one. Unless the hungry young reporter has a big poliitical machine feeding him and knows without doubt the other side is caught in something.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh yeah, the people need representation on the board too. The people should get six votes on the proposed new board.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

But the people have the power to turn this current situation to their advantage. The people have the power to tax the machine if they will just see it. They have to have voter support to tax the tourists. The voters can say no until the Tourism Cartel agrees to match what the tourists are taxed for. The Cartel only needs to agree to pay one nickel on every ten dollars of gross revenue.

More advertising will bring more business and that will give the people who want to try the chance to start their own little businesses that pay more than subsistence wages.

The opportunity is now, the people shouldn't miss it.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 7:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Every no voter should go to this site and read every page, click on everything:

http://www.natchezadams.com/home.htm

There is even a secure location linked to the EDA site you can't get in without a user id. Who knows what details are there?

Corporations are provided a lot of details about Natchez and Adams County, and the area is marketed as a source of cheap labor. The natural beauty of the area belongs to us all and everyone's labor belongs to him or herself. You have to bargain with the trans-nationals who are here and the ones who are coming. Make them respect you. Make them share more equally with us. You can do it with a little thought and by voting and acting together.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 7:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Globalism took our good paying jobs away and split our families up and altered our way of life. Now global corporations, Wal-Mart, Carlson Hotels, Office Depot, and others to come want to sell our beauty for profit, and to get our labor cheaply. Don't let them harvest our resources without sharing. When you pick up pecans around here the landowners let you keep half. That is tradition and fair.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 8:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Corporations operate under Merchant Law, or the Law of the Sea and not the law of the land. In the old days they called their ships Revenue Cruisers. They respect the ship that can outgun them. They play by their own set of rules but in that set of rules they play fair.

Wal-Mart, Carlson Group, Office Depot are revenue cruisers sailing on the land. According to their law, silence on an issue means consent. If you don't fire your guns they take your ship. They like a good fight, they respect that. Give them one. If you don't, they will want more next time they want something and they will expect you to be silent again.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnKiKur, Amazing. I haven't found anyone who would pick up pecans "on halves" for years. The last couple of years I probably had a thousand pounds or more go bad on the ground.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, the Mexicans will be here soon OldGrandDad.

The big Cruisers in town want to claim a prize the people own, the power to tax the tourists. The tourists belong to us.

We don't have big box Cruisers like they do, but they have been in business a long time. Our little houses are like the sailing skiffs Lafitte had. We can only carry one or two guns apiece, our votes, but there are more of us than there are them. Lafitte took many fine prizes.

We are on their stern on this one, and on their flanks. We cannot defeat them in the end, they are too powerful, but we can make a good treaty with them. We can share our booty, the tourist tax dollars with them if they give us something in return.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You know, OldGrandDad, it is a shame those pecans went to waste, here in the heart of pecan pie country. What is wrong with the world today? Man, I hate to hear that.

About four months ago I found two piles of dead deer, mostly does, out in the bottoms in Jefferson County, under a bridge. Only parts had been taken off them. There must have been two or three dozen of them.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnKiKur, I hate it when people throw garbage or dead animals off bridges. I hear tell that garbage is what Billy Joe McCallister was throwing off the Tallahatchie Bridge.

The dead deer (or parts) that folks throw into creeks just seems to rot really slow. If they'd leave the stuff out on a hill the coyotes and birds would make short work of it. Maybe I ought to start leaving my gut piles out on the golf courses. Then folks might understand how I feel when I find them up some creek bed.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Point! From the very beginning of the so-called "Tax" issues on the food and beds, why should we have to bring the state into the picture, other that the fact of giving us permission to have the "call" for the election! Maybe be need to seriously look at having a "home rule charter" set up in Natchez and Adams County? From what I can see is that there is not a definate plan for the administration of the monies received from the $2 tax. Also, as I understand it, there may be another group formed for advisory purposes for spending. People, you have money to spend for advertising and promoting Natchez, don't we have persons already designated to administer the program? This is not a difficult program to administer for Natchez, but I feel there are persons who want to make it difficult! This issue at hand is a Natchez issue and not a Jackson problem!

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, I hear you OldGrandDad.

I was up in Jefferson County again Monday and met some friends from forty five years ago. People close to the land are just better people. We had quite the time standing under the trees up at Grand Gulf laughing and talking, a guy from Florida, an Italian originally from Westchester County, New York came puttering up on his bike. My friends from long ago just happened to have another Italian from Westchester with them!

Dang Federal man wanted to make me pay two dollars for stopping to buy a coke from the coke machine at the park. I told him I was a taxpayer and helped pay for that park and I wasn't going to use two dollars worth and he told me he didn't want to hear it. He told me I could stay five or ten more minutes and then I had to go.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Right on rushinghjr. Some people always have to go running to mama when they want something.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on May 29, 2008 at 1:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The tax will only be paid by people staying in Hotels. Most of the people who will come would not know about Natchez without some sort of advertising. At the moment advertising is very limited. Yes the Casino has a big budget for marketing - over $1,000,000. (10 times what the city spends) The hotels spend some and the Natchez Pilgrimage Tours, various large B&B's spend large sums but it is still a drop in the bucket compared with our competition.

All these businesses do support local charities and events, and all would support them more if they had more revenue.

This $2 per room tax can ONLY be spent on marketing, it can't be diverted to wages, building maintenance, or construction.
I know the "hamburger taxes" were misused, I know that there is overstaffing and incompetence at the CVB, which is cause for concern.
However Natchez has to promote more or it will die. The new management at the convention center (Yes I know Walter is still there) actually knows what it is doing and has experience with forming a fair and working committee to agree on marketing.

This tax is needed, it won't hurt anyone in Natchez, and with proper marketing everyone in Natchez will benefit. More tourists means more money coming into Natchez. More money will create more businesses, restaurants, and lead to more events, festivals and maybe lead to new types of recreation being provided.
More tourists will mean more jobs, at all levels, from bed making to management.

This tax is important and will help everyone in Natchez. Our tourist taxes will still be lower than most tourist cities.

Please support this tax, I know many people have concerns that the money will be misspent but the bill has safeguards to prevent the money being diverted.