JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – In more evidence that all politics is local, Missouri voters approved local ballot initiatives across the state Tuesday, support that one group is calling a sign of trust in local government.
From the earnings tax to renewal of motor vehicle sales taxes and more, Missouri voters supported ballot initiatives that their leaders said were good for their municipalities.
“Citizens across the state placed their trust in municipal government by approving continued tax authority and authorizing bonds for capital improvement projects,” said Dan Ross, executive director of Missouri Municipal League. “The real winners from Tuesday’s elections are the citizens, who demonstrated continued confidence in their local government to deliver the products and services citizens want and need.”
The biggest municipal victories were the earnings tax renewals in Kansas City and St. Louis, but other less well-known ballot questions were approved across the state.
More than one hundred cities approved the continued use of the motor vehicle sales tax, told by their leaders that the tax would help keep a level playing field for their local dealers. One city rejected the tax.
School questions, including bond issues and tax levies, were also approved across the state, pleasing the Missouri School Boards’ Association.
“Once again local voters throughout the state have shown a commitment to providing students with a high-quality education,” said Melissa Randol, executive director of the association. “I’m proud to be part of a state that supports strong local schools and communities.”
The group of municipal associations praised these votes as evidence of voters trust in local government. In a 2014 Gallup poll, 72 percent of Americans trusted their local government, while 62 percent trusted their state government.
