February 23, 2004

By: Leonard Fischer
Website: http://www.1st-in-cars.com

Taxpayers Association & ACTIF Launch Referendum Campaign To Repeal Car Rental Tax

The Ohio Taxpayers Association and The Association For Car & Truck Rental Independents and Franchisees, Ohio’s statewide pro-taxpayer organization and the national vehicle rental association, have launched a petition drive to place a recently passed car rental tax on the Columbus ballot. If OTA and their allies are able to collect 3,900 valid signatures from Columbus voters, City Council must either repeal the tax or place it on the fall ballot for a public vote.

OTA & ACTIF have hired National Petition Management to assist them in collecting the needed signatures. National Petition Management is a nationally known professional petition consulting firm with extensive experience in Ohio. They previously collected signatures in Ohio for efforts to pass campaign finance reform, term limits, and to repeal a tax on soft drinks and food.

OTA is also using volunteers to collect the needed signatures. To volunteer or sign a petition please contact the Ohio Taxpayers Association. Volunteers can also sign or pick up petitions at local Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty rental car locations.

Scott A. Pullins, Chairman of the Ohio Taxpayers Association, will serve as manager and spokesperson for the referendum campaign. Pullins has extensive campaign management experience in Franklin County and throughout Ohio, and is a well-respected state and local government lobbyist.

In 1998, he managed the opposition campaign to State Issue 2, a $1.1 billion sales tax increase that was on the statewide ballot. That issue was defeated 80% to 20%, the largest margin of defeat for a statewide issue in Ohio history.

In 1992, Pullins managed the Franklin County Commissioner campaign of then Columbus City Council Member Arlene Shoemaker. Shoemaker upset well known incumbent and former broadcaster Hugh DeMoss for the seat.

Mayor Coleman had an opportunity to fix city government’s budget by putting the brakes on out of control spending, but he chose instead to raise taxes on consumers and small businesses,said Pullins. The politicians have had their say in this matter, it’s now time to give the people a vote.

We have the resources and the grassroots support to get this issue on the ballot and defeat the tax increase, continued Pullins. Columbus voters want their leaders to cut spending first, not raise taxes.

Pullins pointed to a recent $3 million park purchase, the Columbus electricity division, and efforts to extend city health care benefits as areas that could bring city government millions in savings.

About The Author:

Leonard Fischer is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cars.com.  Great car accessories and parts plus financing, insurance and leasing tips.