If you have never read a legal notice before, or if you haven’t read one in a while, this week is a great time to do so. McClain County is required by the State of Oklahoma to notify the public about any election the county commissioners have proposed for local residents. This requirement has resulted in a fullpage publication in the Newcastle Pacer which outlines a special election September 9 to make the county’s half-cent sales tax permanent.
These legal notices are in today’s issue on page 7. Please read them and let your friends know they are there.
The proposed half-cent tax is the same one that has been in place the last 19 years, according to County Commissioner Wilson Lyles, chairman. He said this tax pays for things the county has always had difficulty paying for.
If approved, the half-cent is permanently divided into 3/4ths of the half cent going to public safety purposes such as county law enforcement and emergency management, and 1/4 of the half cent going to 4-H programs, OSU Extension Services, senior citizen center, the Mc-Clain County Free Fair, county economic development purposes, and county facilities.
It is our understanding that the entities and agencies that have been utilizing the proceeds from this half cent rely on it for their funding, and without it they cannot function as they have.
The important thing to note is the act of voting. We ask that our Mc-Clain County residents, and specifically our Newcastle residents, not be apathetic as the September 9 date approaches. Please go to the polls and state your opinion.
The last City of Newcastle election had a measly turnout of only 5% of the eligible voters. This is not the direct Democracy intended for asking such questions as taxation. This is apathy and inaction.
Our advice is if you feel strongly about the programs this money funds and the way McClain County commissioners have spent the halfcent sales tax for the past 19 years, then vote yes on September 9. If you feel these programs don’t need the money, then vote no.
We know the money that goes to these programs and government needs is very important and we urge you to vote yes; however, whatever your opinion, please vote!
