Counties, on the heels of their NC Association of Commissioner briefings (Todd McGee’s piece on “How to Educate Your Citizens on the Need for New Revenue” is classic), are readying their materials for the land transfer and sales tax referendums on the ballots this fall. The underlying question is whether a county preparing “educational” materials is actually spending taxpayer money on “political advocacy”. It’s a thin line and the difference between legal and illegal activity. After all it’s YOUR money being spent to “educate” people about why a tax is being proposed.
Mitch Kokai has pointed out that people are against the new taxes, but when asked about supporting it for schools, the polls say almost 50% would approve. So it’s no surprise that Union County, Brunswick County and others are pushing the educational angle.
The commissioners also voted to spend up to $20,000 to develop and distribute a flier to educate voters about the tax. The flier, under design by a committee headed by Commissioner Lanny Openshaw, explains how the tax would help the county cope with school costs.
The county plans to distribute it in utility bills, at county buildings and possibly through elementary schools
(Union County)
Is it appropriate to use children to push these materials? How does a county get utility companies to distribute the materials? Is there the opportunity for balance? The city of Monroe is using a similar tactic in promoting a new tax for a civic center. You be the judge as to whether this is promoting a tax or educating?
From the Union County website (they took their lesson seriously up at the Association briefing)
Voter’s Choice
The voters of Union County have the opportunity to choose whether or not
the county will have another option for paying for school construction
and renovation.
