The Woodward News

Opinion

February 7, 2013

News desk: An easy decision

Johnny McMahan Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — Sometimes it takes a while to make a decision on how to vote.

Is this necessary?

Is this the right person?

Is this the right time and place?

Then, sometimes it's not a hard decision at all.

That happens to be the case on the upcoming half-cent sales tax vote for improvements at the Woodward County Fairgrounds.

In fact, voting yes is a pretty easy decision on this one as far as I’m concerned.

The benefits far outweigh the impact of a half-cent increase in the sales tax.

A half-cent basically means you will pay an extra $5 for every $1,000 you spend in Woodward County. That's for everyone who shops in the county or who stops here on their way to another destination - not just the residents of Woodward.

And what will you get for the extra tax?

• A new 60,000 square foot Expo center

• Renovations to other buildings that have served the community well for decades but are in need of an overhaul.

• The chance to host bigger and better events, stock shows, trade shows, large meetings and more.

• A showcase for one of the premiere events in western Oklahoma - the Woodward District Livestock Show.

By itself, the district stock show makes this endeavor worthwhile, but it is just one of many events that will benefit.

This is a project that will benefit Woodward, Woodward County, indeed all of Northwest Oklahoma.

At some point, everyone in the area will probably take advantage of or benefit from this project.

Frankly, it is a project that is long overdue.

Will be there opposition?

Sure, some people will have disagreements with the process. Others might want the county fairgrounds moved somewhere else. Some object to any more taxes period. A few simply vote no just to vote no.

And that's fine. I respect their opinion and decision.

But from my standpoint, this is one of the easiest yes votes I'm ever going to cast.



Johnny McMahan is managing editor of the Woodward News.

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