Send Emails to local businesses and urge them to vote no on Prop 1

[PAL]

The architect stands to make more than a piddley $180,000. That's peanuts on a $21-$25 million dollar facility.

But this is about voting no on Prop. 1. That is the goal for it not to pass.

[Fun CH]

Well I'm not going to boycott anyone's business because of whatever political POV they support. The ideal in a Community is to share different point of views.

I'm just saying that if I have to pay an extra $870 dollars because of a luxury tax, that will be $870 less that I can spend locally for things like dental care, medical care, quality local food Etc., and someday soon an electric bike from Methow Cycle and Sports in order to stay active and healthy.

So if a total of 2 million dollars is collected to support tourist recreational facilities, that's less money that will be spent in our local economy.

Lets say prop 1 passes. Our tax money will flow out of the local economy paying the Seattle architect $180,000 +, paying non local Contractor $10,000,000+, service on the bond debt for non local investors, $25,000 annually for toxic pool chemicals, etc.

When I built a home here, my money spent on excavators, concrete, and other building materials supported the local economy. When I sold a home to someone new moving here, that money flowed into our local economy paying real estate agents, taxes, me, etc and increased the State and County property tax base.

I sent the email to Joe and Julie offering my POV. But I'm not going to stop shopping there if they vote for prop 1, which is likely since they make money off the tourist economy and Julie was a candidate for board commissioner in 2014 the last time this issue was defeated came 78% to 22%.

My POV is to empathize with the people that can't afford this luxury tax.

Research suggests that humans have a hard time empathizing across a political divide, and we tend to place our self-interest gains over showing empathy towards others.

I favor living in a community that reverses those norms, knowing many examples where that is the case here.

[just-jim]

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I wouldnt waste time on this effort.

In a small town economy like ours - even with a large tourism influx - business owners cant afford to alienate even a small -10, or 20%? - slice of their potential customers!

Think about it; it’s why you do NOT see partisan political stickers, ads or posters in the windows or stores of most retail businesses. And you see posters for non-partisan issues - school boards, referendum and other ballot measures even LESS often.

Business owners like Joe and Julie are not dumb; they know the issues, but they also know they have to cater to ALL the local folks.

Years ago, in the early ‘80’s, during the very contentious community debates over Early Winters Ski Area…..a bunch of local businesses put up small signs with MVCC and circle/slash across the letters, as an indication that they opposed MVCC’s legal and political opposition to the EW project. (As I recall it was organized by a Winthrop Realtor, John Huselton?). It was mostly a Winthrop effort, but I did see those signs in Twisp, too.

Some people, including me, went into those businesses and said “OK, I wont be shopping here”. EVERY single one of those signs disappeared in less than a week!

Boycotts…and e-mail campaigns like that….dont generally work very well in a small market area.
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[PAL]

Some businesses support it. Don't know which ones exactly. But it can't hurt to approach those that you think might not support it. I am thinking of several right now that wouldn't support it as they are struggling and they don't depend on the tourists.

[Jingles]

Only problem with sending it to local businesses is majority of them don't give 2 hoots about the locals they admittedly depend on the tourists

[Fun CH]

Do you have a local business that you support but because of your increased property tax burden may not be able to support them if Proposition 1 passes. If so consider sending them an email

I sent this email to Winthrop cycle and sports


"Hi Joe and Julie,

Do you support Proposition 1 that establishes a Metropolitan Park District in our Valley?

If so, please consider the impact that the extra tax burden will have on senior citizens on fixed incomes and other low income people in the Valley. More taxes means less money to spend locally. There is some tax relief for senior citizens however that program does not completely exempt seniors from paying taxes, it only reduces the amount that they pay. Other non-senior low income people are not so lucky. Consider that 8.3% of the people who live in our Valley have incomes at or below the poverty level.

A good reference concerning the ethical implications of this proposed MPD would be to read a book called "Divided Paradise" by Dr Jennifer Sherman. She did a case study in the Methow Valley ( although she calls it Paradise Valley in her book) concerning rural inequities that have occurred as result of you and me and other newcomers moving to this place.

While I moved to Okanogan County in 1979, I still consider that I've had an impact on the local culture that existed here before I arrived. Throughout the many years I've done my best to try to respect that culture which I've experienced as welcoming and giving. I've also tried to pass on that Spirit to folks who arrived later by mentoring new Backcountry skiers in Safe Mountain travel (some later became Mountain Guides) and supporting local businesses. I also helped build homes here that increased the tax base, provided homes for new families and increase their wealth through their purchase of the homes that I've built.

I know that you and Julie also share the spirit of giving by the volunteer work that you've done to develop mountain and fat bike trails.

I urge you to vote no on Proposition 1 and lets help to assure that the historical Wagner pool stays operational and remains in Twisp for local residents to enjoy."