FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why now?

Americans are concerned about how government uses their tax dollars. We want to vote on whether City assets or City debt will be used to benefit professional sports.

Why is POWW doing this?

St Petersburg taxpayers feel their City resources are being considered for purposes other than for real City needs. In this economy, many are stuggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table, With property tax revenues and tourist revenue down, people are afraid that programs they value will be down-sized or cut professional sports facilities divert money that could have been used elsewhere, but for the contracts and bond issues made without their consent in the past.

This may change as the economy improves. But, some people fear that the government will raise taxes again when things pick up and not use the funds the way they want to see them used. All this referendum does is guarantee that voters, not city officials, have the say in how a portion of their tax dollars are used.

Professional sports are said to contribute to the local community. If you believe their contribution is greater than tax dollars spent for their facilities, then this referendum would benefit you as much as the person who believes otherwise. It simply mandates the electorate have vote any time St. Petersburg officials want to use our assets, cash or ablity to issue bonds for such facilities.

What does the Wallets Charter Amendment do?

I

t gives St. Petersburg’s voters the right to vote on:

 - Whether the City should pay for new professional sports facilities.

 - Whether City bonds should be issued for new professional sports facilities.

 - Whether the City has to pay for parking lots or parking garages for the professional sports facilities.

 - Whether to use City bonds to pay for parking lots or parking garages for professional sports facilities.

Does this mean every new building in our City waterfront parks will require a referendum?

No. This amendment would not apply to replacing existing buildings. This amendment does not apply to the construction of new bathrooms, concession stands, picnic shelters, benches, bike racks, landscaping, and those things you typically see in our City waterfront parks.

What can I do to help?

Sign the petition and mail it to POWW at the address on the bottom of the petition. Sign up as a volunteer to circulate petitions.  Donate via our PayPal connection, or send a check to help fund the effort needed to get this on the ballot, reach out to supporters and volunteers, and campaign to win in 2010.

SIGN THE PETITION FOR A

VOTE FOR THE RIGHT TO VOTE