Columbia’s Community Improvement District’s proposal to raise sales tax in the downtown area to about 7.85 percent passed.
And to us, that’s all fine and dandy. In the grand scheme of things, we don’t mind paying an extra five cents per $10 spent. It’s basically nothing, and it ultimately will benefit the downtown area as a whole.
What we don’t understand, however, are the principles behind the proposal. Obviously, the issue affects more than just the downtown area, but the decision was only left to the residents of that area. Basically, the city attempted to sweep the issue under the rug, hoping we as students wouldn’t notice.
But — ring the alarm — we did!
Only the select small number of people who live in the downtown district were allowed to vote on the measure, and only 40 of them actually took the time to follow through on the opportunity. The issue came down to a 25-15 vote, and judging by the close results, it’s an issue people would have cared to debate. Heck, we would have liked to be involved in the decision.
But seriously, 40 votes on a measure that will affect tens of thousands?
Come on. Let’s be a bit more transparent, Columbia.
MU, Columbia College and Stephens College all influence the downtown area. We don’t think it’s too out of line to say that without us college students, the downtown area would fail. For this reason, we believe Boone County should have taken some stance to inform those who would ultimately be affected by the raise (also known as us), even though it couldn’t really do anything.
We’re aware that we’re not permanent residents of Columbia, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have some say in what goes down. The vast majority of us lives here for at least four years, so we think it’s safe to say that our voices should hold some credence.
Don’t pretend like we’re not here. MU is the largest employer of Columbia, and it has been here since 1839. We’re nothing new.
If you can walk to the District, you’re a part of it. Consequently, you should also have some say in it. We’re not the ignorant party animals us college students are often made out to be in the movies. We notice. Don’t pretend like we don’t.