In a recent article in the Shawnee Dispatch the City Manager expressed concern about the possibility of revenues for 2008 not being what was projected.
I find that hard to believe. Actually I expect revenues to far exceed projections. Why? Because of all those folks who said they would eat out more often if Shawnee passed a smoking ordinance.
Well, the ordinance has been passed. Yes, there are some bars that are exempt. But, I am talking about restaurants. You know, those family friendly places where the ban advocates said they would take their families to eat more often. If the numbers supplied by the ban advocates (especially council members Pflumm and Straub) hold true, then Shawnee should be swimming in extra revenue. Maybe even enough to drop mill levies?
I also expect John Beal, editor of the Shawnee Dispatch to start pushing "eat out more often" articles and maybe even some freebie ads for the restaurants. Heck, he has been patting himself on the back for pushing that ordinance. It's a wonder he hasn't torn a rotator cuff. The same holds true for other publications that pushed for the ordinance (Shawnee-Lenexa Sun and the Shawnee-Lenexa version of the KC Star).
Also, where are all those "outsiders"? Like the head of the JoCo Health Department, various clean air groups, etc etc. Are they going to bring their families into Shawnee and contribute to our economy.
Sales tax revenue from each restaurant is confidential information. But, sales tax revenue from all restaurants is not. Rest assured that at the end of each calendar quarter I will be requesting open records information regarding tax revenue from restaurant sales. This information will be requested by quarterly comparisons and year to date comparisons against last year.
OK ban advocates. Time to start putting your money where your mouths are (no pun intended).
Get out to those restaurnats and do what you said you would do.
