Your view: SACC favors tax

On Feb. 3, Sikeston voters can have a tremendous impact on our community's future when they consider a temporary 1-cent sales tax for construction of four new classrooms, one lab and a child care center at the Sikeston Area Higher Education Center, funding of the LCRA and to support staffing levels and programs at the Sikeston Department of Public Safety.

The Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce believes our community must have a well-educated workforce just to stay competitive, much less to grow. Expanding the facility provides us the capacity to continue training and retraining Sikeston area residents in Sikeston either toward a specific job or toward an academic degree.

The Sikeston City Council has passed a resolution that will reduce city property taxes by 21 percent if the sales tax passes. And using this temporary sales tax spreads the financing painlessly over the wide base of all who shop in Sikeston. The 1-cent tax means that anyone who spends money on taxable goods will be contributing to the SAHEC building and to the city's supportive services for something that will help our community so much.

We urge voters to send a resounding message of support to their fellow citizens, potential new employers and their children and grandchildren by voting "yes" on Feb. 3. The City and SAHEC can provide a more detailed financial report upon request.

Missy Marshall, executive director

Robin Pace, president

Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce