On Sunday, the Midland Reporter Telegram Editorial Board weighed in on the economic development tax.
Diversification was the driving effort in 2001 when voters agreed to this tax. When voters passed the tax they wanted diversity and higher-paying jobs to replace the ones that left the community during the late 1990's oil bust.This goal and direction of the MDC has changed since voters passed this tax. The voters should have the final answer on whether to continue on this path, whether to dedicate the quarter-cent for infrastructure or eliminate the tax.
I applaud the MRT's Editorial Board for taking the stance that entities that are created and funded by the taxpayers should be held accountable to their purpose and mandate at the time they were authorized by the voters. Once an entity strays into areas that are contrary to their original mandate, it is time for them to determine the will of the voters through the ballot box, not through assumptions that lead to the adoption of the latest Plan from an out of town consultant.