Friends,
I do not wish to over-dramatize the events of the last 15 months, but let's be honest: the Searcy city government has done everything in their power to keep the people of Searcy from voicing their opinions on the A&P Tax.
They denied our legal and sufficient petitions for referendum; they have refused to let us speak at City Council meetings; they have brought in armed guards at Council meetings to "keep us under control;" and they have hidden this issue at a special election, rather than waiting 4 more weeks and placing the issue on the primary ballot at virtually no cost to the taxpayer--this option is costing you and I over $5,000. Not only is the issue hidden at a special election, but the locations for early voting and election-day voting are being held at two different locations. They do not think you will show up and vote.
Despite all of these delaying and diversion tactics, the mayor recently told KARK-4 News that the issue was placed at a special election because "we wanted to get this issue before the voters as soon as possible." 15 months after the people of Searcy asked to vote--after the Council voted down 7 specific motions to set an election date--does anyone really believe this claim?
Myself and many, many others have been sounding the alarm about the perils of an A&P Tax and the accompanying A&P Commission for over a year. I have no doubt that you are equally tired of hearing about it as we are tired of talking about it. Just in case you need more information, all the info you need and more is available at www.arkansaspatriot.us
Quite honestly, this issue has consumed public discussion for far too long. The issue should have been resolved in February 2009 when we asked to vote on the tax. Or in June 2009 when we submitted over 1,200 signatures on petitions for a referendum election. Or in October 2009 when the circuit judge ruled in our favor. Instead, the politicians in city hall chose to drag this issue out as long as possible in hopes that they would wear us down. We have news for them--we're still here and we are as fired up as ever.
And now, after a long, long fight, the time has come for a vote. We have already won a partial victory because the people were granted their legal right to vote on this tax. However, if the people fail to exercise this right, all of our sweat, breath, and money spent fighting this issue for the last 15 months was all for naught.
Today was the first day of early voting on this issue. Early voting is being held now through Monday, April 12th at the County Clerk's office. Voting on Tuesday the 13th will be held at the Carmichael Center.
Please, before you close this browser and forget, consider email this post to your friends and family who live in Searcy. We need them to vote to preserve Searcy's economic future.
VOTE.
VOTE.
Thank you.
Nicholas Horton
Searcy City Council Candidate
www.horton4searcy.com
www.arkansaspatriot.us
