LATE NEWS: 26TH ANNUAL PARADE THE CIRCLE EVENT WELCOMED VOTE NO ON SIN TAX (ON NOVEMBER 3, 2015 IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OHIO) CAMPAIGN!
The 2-hour parade that took place in University Circle on Saturday June 13, 2015 was attended by an estimated 80,000 people.
The photographs using the VOTE NO ON SIN TAX signs took place after the parade was over.
VOTE NO ON SIN TAX ON NOVEMBER 3, 2015 IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OHIO CAMPAIGN:
The campaign is opposing the Sin Tax levy to support Arts and Culture (a.k.a. Cigarette Smokers of Cuyahoga County) that will be on the November 3, 2015 ballot in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
While the campaign was welcomed after the parade, the campaign officially kicked off on June 24, 2015. As of August 6, 2015 – there have been 30-demonstrations for a total of nearly 110-hours.
TEN-YEAR LEVY:
The ten-year levy (2017-2026) on cigarettes at the rate of 30 cents per pack will be a continuation of the existing (2007-2016) levy. The Sin Tax levy, promoted by Jimmy Dimora was first approved in 2006 by a vote of 56 to 44%.
WHY THE OPPOSITION: While I don’t smoke, I love the Arts and the role they play in enriching our lives on a daily basis. As a volunteer teacher, for the past 10-years, at a CMSD(Cleveland Metropolitan School District) school -- I have integrated the Arts in the teaching of Science, Math, and Engineering. The practice, in Cuyahoga County, to tax cigarette smokers to support the Arts is unfair, totally repugnant, and aesthetically insensitive. Sin Taxes are regressive taxes that take a higher percentage of income from our poorest and most vulnerable citizens. We need fair funding for the Arts where we all pay, not just cigarette smokers, for an activity we all enjoy. This is a social justice issue.
CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION: I am a senior citizen -- an army of one -- CEO, President, Secretary, and Treasurer – all rolled in one – based on the belief that it takes only one finger to stir the pot. I have a dedicated Facebook group and my own blog at REALNEO. I have literally no expenses. The $5 signs are left over from last year’s campaign. The flyers are printed at home.
STATUS OF CAMPAIGN: As of August 7, 2015, there have been 30-demonstrations for a total of nearly 110-hours in county districts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 from University Circle to North Olmsted and from the shores of Lake Erie to Middleburg Heights.
I plan to demonstrate in all 11 county districts with my $5 VOTE NO ON SIN TAX signs challenging the estimated $1.6 million that the proponents propose to spend. I am up against Cuyahoga County’s well oiled-machine supported by the rich business establishment and with endless support from the Plain Dealer’s reportage. I plan to give the opposition a run for their money.
I demonstrate along streets and at busy traffic intersections using my VOTE NO ON SIN TAX signs. I walk for miles on end and use public transportation to cover long distances. So far, I have walked the equivalent of over 300 miles. I have distributed over 600 flyers (only to those who request a copy), and thousands have seen the campaign signs.
LOVE THE ARTS:
Music, Painting, Drama, Drawing, Dance, Sculpture, Opera, etc.
We should all pay taxes to fund the Arts, not just tax citizens who smoke. VOTE NO ON SIN TAX ON NOVEMBER 3, 2015 IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OHIO
ENDS SHOULD NEVER JUSTIFY THE MEANS,
VOTE NO ON SIN TAX ON NOVEMBER 3, 2015 IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OHIO
CIGARETTE SMOKERS OF CUYAHOGA COUNTY,
have provided, since 2006, $125 million, for Cuyahoga Arts & Culture including Parade the Circle event.
THIS IS NOT FAIR! FIGHT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE!
VOTE NO ON SIN TAX ON NOVEMBER 3, 2015 IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OHIO
Remember, only Taxes on Cigarettes pay for Art & Culture.
TAX ALL OR TAX NONE.
VOTE NO ON SIN TAX ON NOVEMBER 3, 2015 IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OHIO
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture a.k.a. Cigarette Smokers of Cuyahoga County.
FIGHT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE.
VOTE NO ON SIN TAX ON NOVEMBER 3, 2015 IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OHIO
CORPORATE WELFARE FOR THE CLEVELAND ART MUSEUM!
Paid for by:
The Cigarette Smokers of Cuyahoga County.
Cleveland Museum of Art with nearly $1 billion in assets (896 million to be exact)
has received, since 2006, $11.8 million from taxes on cigarettes. (Ref. Roldo Bartimole: “OLD CLEVELAND WEALTH CAN FUND THE ARTS”, May 28, 2015)
THIS IS NOT FAIR!
On November 3, 2015, fight for Social Justice and VOTE NO ON SIN TAX!
REFERENCES:
07-11-15: BREAKING NEWS: IS THE PLAIN DEALER IN BED WITH THE RICH AND POWERFUL IN CLEVELAND, OHIO!
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