I support the arts. I am not opposed to using tax dollars to support the arts. But Issue 55 is the wrong approach. Almost 20 years ago, many in the arts community knew that a cigarette tax was a regressive tax that the poor significantly paid. Today, not only do we continue it, but issue 55 proposed more than a 100% increase.
It would be better for the Arts Council to do the work of convincing all voters that the arts are worth a small increase in our property taxes. Far more reliable than hoping people keep smoking. A no vote would keep the current tax and give time to create a better plan.
John R. Butchko, Cleveland