For Immediate Release – October 16, 2008 
Contact: Adam Guillette, (800) 398-4061

Americans for Prosperity Challenges
St. Johns County Commission to Debate Sales Tax Increase

$22 Million Tax Increase Placed on the Ballot Immediately After Commissioners Re-Elected

ST. JOHNS COUNTY – In a letter mailed yesterday, Americans for Prosperity formally challenged the St. Johns County Commission to a publicly held debate discussing the proposed $22 million sales tax increase that will be decided on the November ballot.  The purpose of the proposed debate is to educate taxpayers about the tax hike.

“The economy is slowing, unemployment is rising, and the housing and financial markets are a mess. Now is not the time for an additional $22 million tax increase,” said Dan Quiggle, state chairman of Americans for Prosperity. “It is morally outrageous that these politicians waited until they were safely re-elected before placing the tax hike on the ballot,” added Quiggle.

Upon acceptance by the County Commission , Americans for Prosperity will hold the debate prior to Election Day at a public location in the county.  AFP is exploring the option of holding more than one event at various locations around the county.  Members of Americans for Prosperity have been writing letters educating citizens about the tax increase.  In addition, they will be distributing literature at upcoming events and making phone calls to likely voters. 

"Citizens deserve to know more information about this dangerous tax hike before going in the voting booth," stated Adam Guillette, state director of Americans for Prosperity.  "Americans for Prosperity will be holding a town hall meeting on Saturday, October 18th to educate taxpayers about this important issue," added Guillette.

The town hall meeting on October 18th will be held at the Ponte Vedra Library from noon until 1:30pm.  The proposed tax increase is earmarked for transportation and conservation, but Guillette stated these funds could possibly end up being used for other purposes.

Americans for Prosperity has over 280,000 members nationwide including 13,000 in Florida .  Their state headquarters is in Ponte Vedra Beach .

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

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