Let’s dig into the case of the proposed BID, a $1 million tax pushed upon small businesses without their input or an elected voice. It is unconstitutional and an opportunity for corruption. Because the city council is determined to push the BID tax, I would like to present a more democratic option:
» A one-year BID using an economic impact analysis that uses a portion of the budgeted $1 million, reviewing return on investment with a city council public hearing.
» Prevent a line of debt that would take away from the borrowing power of other Chattanooga districts.
» One-person, one-vote rule on the board and dissolve clause.
» Board members: two property owners, four small business owners (including tenants), two residential owners, one person with special needs and one who advocates for low-income citizens – representing a diverse group of individuals and the ability for a true democratic vote.
Positions on this board should reflect those people paying for it.
These points help ensure a true quasi-government organization, one that won’t be easily corrupted or mismanaged.
One more question, is BID truly an improvement if the board is not representative of those paying for it?
Darin Wright
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Resident says vote yes on BID proposal
I own a residence within the area of the proposed Business Improvement District (BID). I voted yes to establish the BID, and I am wholeheartedly in favor of its approval. I recommend that the city council vote “yes” at its meeting today.
The establishment of the BID has been approved by a significant majority of the property owners based both on number of owners and assessed valuation of property owned. The fee to fund operation of the BID will be paid by those property owners and not anyone else! I
walk the streets of our city all the time since I live downtown, and I see the need for the services that will be provided by the BID. Moreover, the area of the city included in the BID district is at the heart of the city’s thriving tourist area. Implementing the BID will go a long way to further enhance the image our city has worked hard to establish as a tourist destination.
Please, city council, approve the BID at your meeting! The downtown property owners are willing to pay more to make a cleaner, safer and more attractive downtown a reality for everyone.
Wayne Wilhelm
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Mueller testimony didn’t move needle
Howard Cosell once described a tied football game as having all the emotional impact of kissing your sister. Sadly, this was the impression after watching Bob Mueller’s seven-hour marathon appearance before two government subcommittees.
Between shameless congressional grandstanding and Mueller’s monosyllabic answers – a John Dean he is not – it was a non-event that did not move the needle to censure or remove Trump one iota.
Doing the country no favors was Mueller’s overall “reluctant witness” demeanor. Ballyhooed as this invincible lion of Capitol Hill and, whether intentional or not, he came across more like a confused old man at times unfamiliar with his own report.
Denny Pistoll, Rising Fawn, Georgia
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Cows becoming endangered?
The snail darter, a species of fish, was put on the endangered list in the 1970s.
It was recently recommended to be removed from the list.
The supporters of the Green New Deal are a threat to all species of cows. They want to get rid of all cows because they flatulate gas into the environment. Surely we are smart enough to find ways to deal with the gas, without the loss of the cows. Cows provide milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream and many more products.
The first herd of cows was located about 10,500 years ago. We should ask the DOJ to put cows on the endangered list. That will at least give them 50 more years.
Ruth Cote, Hixson