Poll: AR Voters Split on Issue Two, 30 Percent Undecided
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Updated: November 1, 2012
Likely voters are evenly split when it comes to a proposed change in the Arkansas Constitution but 30 percent are unsure how they'll vote, according to the latest Talk Business/Hendrix poll.
And that issue, even though some folks are sharply divided on it, doesn't seem to be generating the level of buzz or debate as others such as a proposal to legalize medical marijuana.
Issue Two, if it passes, gives cities and counties three new ways to bring in more revenue.
Supporters believe it will allow municipalities to meet their obligations and grow but opponents say it will ultimately allow cities to go into debt and leave taxpayers with the bill.
The proposed amendment would do three things: 1) Allow cities to create special districts for development and redevelopment and impose new sales taxes to be collected in those districts, 2) Cities would be allowed to issue bonds and levy taxes to pay for unfunded liabilities, and 3) Allow cities to use general and special revenue funds to pay the principal and interest on such things as fleet vehicles and road maintenance equipment.
State Rep. Stephen Meeks (R) who represents District 47, is against it.
"I've seen what happens to our cities and towns when they go into debt...it's not a pretty picture and usually the ones that get left holding the bag are taxpayers," Meeks said.
Chris Claybaker, who is President of the Arkansas Municipal League, says Issue Two won't cost taxpayers any money.
"All it does is give municipalities and counties new tools in their toolbox to help finance their needs," Claybaker said.
The Arkansas Community Organizations recently announced it's opposing Issue Two.
"A local government would have then power to declare a neighborhood blighted and homeowners would be faced with displacement through eminent domain," the organization states in its list of endorsements.
The election is Nov. 6.
And that issue, even though some folks are sharply divided on it, doesn't seem to be generating the level of buzz or debate as others such as a proposal to legalize medical marijuana.
Issue Two, if it passes, gives cities and counties three new ways to bring in more revenue.
Supporters believe it will allow municipalities to meet their obligations and grow but opponents say it will ultimately allow cities to go into debt and leave taxpayers with the bill.
The proposed amendment would do three things: 1) Allow cities to create special districts for development and redevelopment and impose new sales taxes to be collected in those districts, 2) Cities would be allowed to issue bonds and levy taxes to pay for unfunded liabilities, and 3) Allow cities to use general and special revenue funds to pay the principal and interest on such things as fleet vehicles and road maintenance equipment.
State Rep. Stephen Meeks (R) who represents District 47, is against it.
"I've seen what happens to our cities and towns when they go into debt...it's not a pretty picture and usually the ones that get left holding the bag are taxpayers," Meeks said.
Chris Claybaker, who is President of the Arkansas Municipal League, says Issue Two won't cost taxpayers any money.
"All it does is give municipalities and counties new tools in their toolbox to help finance their needs," Claybaker said.
The Arkansas Community Organizations recently announced it's opposing Issue Two.
"A local government would have then power to declare a neighborhood blighted and homeowners would be faced with displacement through eminent domain," the organization states in its list of endorsements.
The election is Nov. 6.
