Column: Guthrie supports Newark tax issue

One thing that I’ve learned since being first elected 41 years ago, is that voting for a tax is about as much fun as eating asphalt on rye bread.

This year we have several tax issues on the ballot, and I plan to support them, based on their merits. The renewal and replacement levies for the library, children services and senior services all deserve my support. The revenue from these levies supports thousands of residents who need services offered by these programs.

Those of us who live in Newark have to make a decision regarding a small income tax increase of point 0.15 percentage points, which is earmarked for street maintenance and improvements. As a city councilman, I supported Mayor Hall’s request to place this issue before Newark voters, because I believe we have a genuine need for additional dollars dedicated to streets.

Some asked me why I support this tax issue when I spoke against the four roundabouts and changes in traffic patterns on our public square. The primary reason I am voting for this modest increase in the income tax is that the need for improvements on our neighborhood streets is enormous.

According to City Engineer Brian Morehead, 78 percent of our 220 miles of streets are in residential areas. No matter how I feel about the downtown project, one thing I know for sure is our neighborhood streets are going to continue to deteriorate if we don’t have additional revenue for proper maintenance.

The bottom line is this: The revenue we have coming in for streets, cannot keep up with the escalating cost of asphalt, and the ongoing need to improve and replace aging bridges. I should also note that Service Director David Rhodes has assured me that no street levy funds, or other funds restricted to street improvements, will be used on the downtown project.

I would not have voted to place a tax levy before voters if I were not convinced additional revenue is essential for safe streets and bridges in Newark.

We all have a decision to make. Can we afford to pay a little more to see improvements, especially to our neighborhood streets? For some, the answer is likely no, and I understand. Many citizens are struggling to make ends meet, and it’s understandable if you simply can’t afford an increase of any sort. As a councilman, it’s my job to work with my colleagues and Mayor Hall’s administration to be sure that we are good stewards of your tax dollars. As long as I’m in city government, I’ll advocate for good use of tax revenue.

I hope that you can join me, by voting for our seniors, our libraries, our children and our streets on Election Day. Thank you for your consideration of this important issue.

Newark resident Marc Guthrie is a member of Newark City Council, and is a former state legislator, County Commissioner and Heath Councilman. His email address is marcguthrie@hotmail.com.