BoddaH1994 Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 Dozens of Mason citizens, business leaders and concerned out-of-towners were on hand to speak out against the proposed 3% admissions tax and 5% parking tax suggested by Councilman Tony Bradburn. Monologues by the masses included a very heartfelt address by the mother of a leukemia victim whose child benefited from Kings Island's ticket donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Charitable donations are just one of the cuts that may have to be made if this tax passes, according to senior officials at Kings Island. Other speakers included members of the marketing team at Kings Island, the general manager of the Great Wolf Lodge, representatives from The Beach Waterpark, the Warren County Visitors Bearu and many more -- all of which expressed their concerns with the economic impact that this tax would have on the area. After hearing dozens of testimonies against the tax -- and two in favor of the tax, Councilman David Nichols suggested that the matter be tabled until the February 8th, 2010 meeting. So now it's time for round 2: February 8th, 2010 7:00EST 6000 Mason-Montgomery Rd Mason, OH 45040 We would like to thank all that participated in the protest as well as everyone who attended the meeting. You did Kings Island, The Beach, the City of Mason and many local businesses a big favor. Thank you. Do you want the latest information sent directly to your cell phone? Sign up for KICentral's official mobile club and receive text alerts with the latest news and information about Kings Island! Signing up is fast and free! Click here for more information about KICentral's official mobile club! Are you an avid Kings Island fan or do you casually visit once a year? It doesn't matter! KICentral.com is the site for you. Why not register on the forums of KICentral and tell us about your thoughts and experiences involving Kings Island! Registration is fast, FREE, and easy. Don't forget to keep checking KICentral.com for the latest news, rumors and information about Kings Island amusement park! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rotag Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 Does anyone have clips from the protest that was aired on the news chanels? I would like to see them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 http://news.cincinnati.com/article/2009112...dmissions+tax++ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windshawne Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 It was all very well executed on the part of city council. What I found interesting is several members of the community opposed to the tax kept asking exactly what the money is going to be used for-and not a one could give a straight answer. The city manager stated since the vote was not yet decided, the money had not been allocated for a specific fund. Excuse me, this reeks. When we discussed the issue with Mr Bradburn outside, he could not give a specific answer to that question either. He floundered looking for support from the lone Mason resident in the group, myself. I had nothing to say until I heard all the facts, and kept quiet then as well. I also noticed Mr. Bradburn looked at the floor the duration of the meeting. Someone who cannot make eye contact has something to hide... I will be going back Feb. 8th. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback FOF Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 I saw a news story on Local 12 this morning. I saw Beetle's son holding a sign "Don't Tax me Bro". I saw Jesse's (Avatar) interview, and someone else's interview. I don't know if they are from here or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIfan1980 Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 Didn't see this morning, but assuming channel 12 just reran the story from last night, the other interview was with Beatle (I will bet you just didn't recognize him in the suit and tie). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thrill_Biscuit Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 The city manager stated since the vote was not yet decided, the money had not been allocated for a specific fund. That's like calling the fire department, and when the dispatcher asks what the emergency is, the caller says "Well, we haven't decided on whether there's a fire, or whether a cat's stuck up in a tree... but we need the fire engines here right away!" Politicians... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Picard Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 That is something that they don't know what they need the money for but they think they need it. The fund that it goes to will determine where it is used. The general fund can be spent on what ever they need it for but the other funds can only be used for what that fund is for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 And Mr. Bradburn implied when he confronted us that it was going to roads. Suspicious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback FOF Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 Didn't see this morning, but assuming channel 12 just reran the story from last night, the other interview was with Beatle (I will bet you just didn't recognize him in the suit and tie). I actually have no idea what he looks like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIfan73 Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 The guy they interviewed for the video in this article seemed to know what he was talking about! http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story/Kings...eKayIM6uhg.cspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coaster Kid Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 If there is going to be another protest please tell me becasue I want to make it out there for it. I want to support my home park its like a second home to me. When im feeling lonely I go there and meet all my freinds that I have known to grow dear for from KIC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beast79 Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 It really went well I just wished that I could have made it there earlier and yes I'll be there on Feb 8th! With 2 months to work on it I'm sure I could have some more signs made up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coaster Kid Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 Alright its marked on my calender I will be at that protest and help with the cause no one will put a tax on my happy place if I have anything to say about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted November 24, 2009 Author Share Posted November 24, 2009 Yes -- it's going to be VERY important that we're there on Feb 8th. 3 dozen-or so-came and spoke against the tax... and two in favor. You know what Tax Man is going to do, right? He's going to spend the next two months finding everyone he can to speak in favor of it and try to stump the opposition on the night of the vote. Don't worry, I fully intend to "bully" Mr. Bradburn again this February. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StalkerChick Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 News 9 talks with Ryan this is what got me When Kings Island and the Beach Water Park are operating, the city also incurs more calls for service for police and fire services. The taxes are meant to offset those expenses. Ummm... HELLO!?!? Don't most places have more fire/police calls in the SUMMER?!?! *facepalms* who are these genius's?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beast79 Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 Bully Beatdown hahahaha! Hopefully he will look up from the floor next round! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StalkerChick Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 i really wanna know what this specific "bullying" was more videos with the protest at the end cincy 5 protest coverage things like this make me want to punch him lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted November 24, 2009 Author Share Posted November 24, 2009 LoL... They misspelled my last name. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StalkerChick Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 LOL ryan i didn't even notice! then maybe you shoulda spelled it right to them can anyone find any videos from the other interviews? cuz i'm coming up with nothing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SOB_TOM Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 Nice seeing you all again.... Well, on TV..... I will be there on Feb 8th. I had to go to a class (missed the first day of class, and if I would have missed another I would have gotten an F for the year....) I am of the opinion that on Feb 8th, everyone who doesn't have anything else going on needs to be there. Imagine, if you will, instead of a "handful" (as the media put it) of protesters outside, they state hundreds with signs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rotag Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 I done promissed BoddaH1994 (in person later that nite @ frischs) that if I got that nite off, I will come back for round 2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted November 25, 2009 Author Share Posted November 25, 2009 Here's something that I'm surprised that no one's posted about. We actually had an an encounter with Tony Bradburn before the meeting during the protest. He introduced himself and gasped the following lies (verbatim): Lie: "If you're going to protest anybody, why not protest Kings Island for their $4.99 Chic-Fil-A Sandwiches?" Truth: Chic-Fil-A is not owned by Kings Island, nor is the location within Kings Island. It sets its own prices. Protesting Kings Island for Chic-Fil-A's prices is like protesting the Tri-County Mall because you don't like Macy's prices. Yet another indication that Bradburn has no idea what he's talking about. As he was walking into the building, he yelled to us: Lie: "All I want are my interchanges!" Truth: The money is NOT going for interchanges. Someone asked where the money was going to go and council had no answer. However, in several news articles linked to by the Kings Island Newsletter, it is stated that Bradburn is pushing for these taxes for road improvements -- specifically the interchanges at Western Row and Kings Mill Road. HOWEVER, in the 2006 Mason State of the City Report, it states the following: Mason will also start a justification study this year for a full interchange at I-71 and Western Row Road. We will be working with the Warren County Engineer on this study, which will include the Kings Mills exit. Construction is still a number of years out. City Council saw the merits of a full interchange at this location and established a TIF (Tax Increment Financing district) a few years ago in order to earmark funds to go towards this interchange. Widening Western Row Road is also expected to begin in the near future. We estimate that it will cost $5.2 million to widen the road from Mason Christian Village to Tylersville Road in front of Luxottica. It will be four lanes and include a sidewalk and bike path. We are waiting until the Socialville-Fosters Road project is done to minimize traffic tie-ups. Angry yet? You should be. You have been lied to. He says the money is going towards road improvements, but that money is already there. He wants your money. What for? You tell me... Now on to Mayor Grossmann... Does anyone else think that he was a little quick to defend Bradburn and his actions? Do you think he has more of an association than we think? Do you think that maybe he's trying to progress in his political career but doesn't want to be known for an advocacy of higher taxes and a reckless abandonment of local businesses? You tell me... Now on to Councilwoman Christine Shimrock... Councilwoman Shimrock came up and thanked us for coming to the meeting and staging the protest. She didn't say specifically if she was for or against the tax, however she is forced to abstain from voting because she sits on the board for a majority charity that will suffer if Bradburn's tax is passed. She's as sharp as they get and would get my vote if I lived in Mason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windshawne Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 Did he really think I was gonna support this because I live in Mason? I didn't really appreciate his attack outside the building. My thought is....if the council votes this in, I will not be buying a condo in mason like I originally planned, since the city leaders don't have any integrity to keep their end of the agreement. Western row needs improvement? Bull****. That will just create a two year (or longer) construction headache. Even after the Knievel jump, where I believe we had record attendance, I had no trouble leaving the park. Patience..... From the looks of his house, Mr. Bradburn has more than his share of the pie $1.7 Million in free tickets to the kids and family of A Kid Again...kudos to you Kings Island-I had no idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beast79 Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 I just found this my source is from www.cincinnati.com! Mason Council's Slick Maneuver How about that. One day after not being returned to council by the voters, Mike Gilb resigns his current seat and is immediately re-appointed by council to fill the seat vacated by Pete. And about Tony's comments about the Reds and Bengals tax, now I haven't checked but didn't Hamilton County residents vote to build the stadiums and didn't Hamilton County PAY to build them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted November 25, 2009 Author Share Posted November 25, 2009 I'm not finished yet... Vice Mayor Don Prince in his "Political Philosophy" section of his official web site states: All taxpayers in this nation are over-taxed. When considering federal, state, and local income tax, social security tax, medicare tax, real estate taxes, personal property tax, licensing and registration fees of all sorts, it becomes clear that we are over-taxed. Government needs to listen to the taxpayer more and to the bureaucracy less. Taking of one’s wealth is taking a measure of their freedom. If he votes in favor of this tax then we know how his words are inconsistent with his actions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 I'm still amazed that Bradburn came over and confronted us. Isn't that the opposite of what you're supposed to do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback FOF Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 ...Lie: "All I want are my interchanges!" Truth: The money is NOT going for interchanges. Someone asked where the money was going to go and council had no answer. However, in several news articles linked to by the Kings Island Newsletter, it is stated that Bradburn is pushing for these taxes for road improvements -- specifically the interchanges at Western Row and Kings Mill Road. HOWEVER, in the 2006 Mason State of the City Report, it states the following: Mason will also start a justification study this year for a full interchange at I-71 and Western Row Road. We will be working with the Warren County Engineer on this study, which will include the Kings Mills exit. Construction is still a number of years out. City Council saw the merits of a full interchange at this location and established a TIF (Tax Increment Financing district) a few years ago in order to earmark funds to go towards this interchange. Widening Western Row Road is also expected to begin in the near future. We estimate that it will cost $5.2 million to widen the road from Mason Christian Village to Tylersville Road in front of Luxottica. It will be four lanes and include a sidewalk and bike path. We are waiting until the Socialville-Fosters Road project is done to minimize traffic tie-ups. Angry yet? You should be. You have been lied to. He says the money is going towards road improvements, but that money is already there. He wants your money. What for? You tell me... Not only is the money there from previous taxes, but part of the work is being paid for by the Federal Governement. There is a big green sign just past the intersection at Western Row on Kings Mills Drive about money being from a Rebuilding and Reconstruction Act (or something). There is also a sign on Reed Hartman Highway in Blue Ash and on Cornell Road by Sycamore High School where the same Act paid for some or all of the roadwork. When someone is by KI, look at the sign. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted November 25, 2009 Author Share Posted November 25, 2009 ^ I can attest -- there's definitely a stimulus fund sign at the interchange in question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback FOF Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 I wonder, is the entire project being paid for by the Federal Government, or a combination of that and ODOT and/or Mason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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