Sales tax inspired fans, foes to go to polls

A senior on a fixed income, Verna James didn't want the city's sales tax to increase. Jim Faulkner, meanwhile, said the projects in the city's Transformation plan are valuable to the city and worth the extra half-cent sales tax.

Transformation, the half-cent, 10-year sales tax that would have raised more than $41 million to complete a list of 30 projects around the city, was defeated with 5,069 "no" votes to 3,224 "yes" votes. The county clerk's office reported a voter turnout of 19.87 percent.

The two were among more than a dozen city voters who talked to the News Tribune while at the polls Tuesday. Of the nine who said how they voted on Transformation, six were opposed and three were in favor.

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