Your Opinion: Innovation and investment needed

Dear Editor:

I had the pleasure of serving on the Board of Directors for the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce the last three years. Although my term has now ended, I look forward to the passage of the half-cent sales tax to support transforming our community.

I serve as president of Modern Litho, a locally owned and operated commercial printing company. In June of this year we will be celebrating our 75th anniversary and we are thankful to be based in a community like Jefferson City. Modern Litho is recognized as an industry leader in the utilization of workflow solutions and technology.

There are a couple of principles that I believe have helped chart our path to success over the years. First, we believe in investing in our operation. As a result, we have some of the most modern equipment and software available in our industry. Second, we believe change is important and that lack of innovation to grow our business would most likely lead to an eventual decline of our company.

I believe these principles can be applied to better our community. As I've participated in the Transformation process, I've been amazed at the community participation with hundreds of individuals from all walks of life. The process was open and driven by numerous committees. As a result, many excellent projects have been identified. We have a unique opportunity to protect and redevelop the prison site, enhance a convention center, facilitate repurposing the St. Mary's facility in partnership with Lincoln University and continue to improve the parking shortage in the downtown area. A vote for Transformation is a vote to invest in our future, and as a result help make our community an even more attractive place to live and work for generations to come.

I have thought long and hard about the impact of increasing our sales tax rate by one-half percent for 10 years. I've concluded that if we are to transform Jefferson City that we must do it right and we must fund it fully. My fellow board members will testify that I have spoken out about the importance of keeping our sales tax rate low.

But as I look at the opportunity before us, I can say that I believe our community will be best served by casting your yes vote for Transformation.

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