Issue 22

​On November 3, 2015, Cincinnati voters will decide on a charter amendment that would create a permanent tax to be paid by property owners and spent by mayoral appointees to the Board of Park Commissioners. The unprecedented initiative would create a taxpayer-funded 'slush fund' with little to no oversight. Tax money could be used for parks projects that destroy acres of trees  and that pave the way for parks-based commercial enterprises, making enjoyment of city parks less accessible to many residents. As a permanent tax in our city charter, voters would have no periodic opportunity to review the tax if they became concerned about or displeased with the park board's unchecked decision-making.