by Michael Berg
On April 5, voters in both St. Louis and Kansas City will decide whether to retain the current earnings tax. The Sierra Club recommends a “yes” vote, which would preserve the earnings tax, since maintaining the viability of the urban core is necessary for reducing sprawl, limiting greenhouse gases and facilitating energy efficiency. Our chapter has a long record of opposing urban sprawl, and supporting public transit investment to support smart growth. This election provides a key opportunity for our members to take the next step in that campaign.
City General Revenue funds many environmental programs, including city park maintenance. For many urban kids, these city parks are their only access to open space. The earnings tax also funds recycling programs in both cities. Go to the chapter website http://missouri.sierraclub.org to read Sierra Club reports that detail the environmental programs funded by the earnings tax.
We have about 1,000 Sierra Club members who live in St. Louis City and 900 who live in Kansas City - our votes can be the margin of victory.To volunteer to help: In St. Louis please call Michael Berg at (314) 644 1011 or email mo-michael@sierraclub.org. In Kansas City, please call Claus Wawrzinek at (816) 517-5244 or claus@missouri.sierraclub.org.