Vote Against Tourist Tax

In Kirk Sorensen’s letter published June 13 (“Heads in beds real boost to

economy”) he states that Martin County gains a strong economic impact from seasonal tourists. He also implies that draining up to $1 million in taxes from that group will help market our resort hotels in the summer. This is circular reasoning and deserves further analysis.

First, the proposed 2 percent tax will remove disposable dollars from the budgets of vacationers and snowbirds who rent rooms and condos. In fact, three motels in Stuart (family-run establishments) oppose the tax and prefer to compete with lower room rates and better service.

Second, many tourist-related jobs are contracted for that season. The workers move north for similar summer work (Jupiter Island Club, for example). Thus, any extra summer tourism gained through this advertising will result in dubious economic impact.

Proponents describe the Tourist Development Council as a state-mandated body already operating successfully in the rest of Florida. No one has yet provided data showing other Florida counties improved their summer tourism. As a matter of fact, revenues were below average all over the state last summer and fall (after 9/11).

Martin County currently advertises its golf and fishing attractions through on-line websites (Stuart News and Chamber of Commerce). Our beachfront establishments offer coupon discounts in statewide publications. We need to continue to offer bargains instead of gouging travelers.

This referendum should be defeated on Sept. 10 because well-intentioned

(feel-good) measures often aggravate a perceived problem.

Ray Adams

Citizens for a Sound Economy

Palm City