Thoughts on the recent meals tax increase

As many of you already know, Monday, Roanoke City Council voted in favor of a 2% meal tax increase for the next 2 years. The funds will be used to help public schools cover the shortfall created by the state levels cuts.

I sincerely appreciate the feedback I have received over the past few weeks on this issue and want you all to know how much I weighed your thoughts and opinions. As a city resident and restaurant owner, you can imagine this was a very challenging decision.  I share many of your frustrations and am concerned with the idea of additional support coming on the backs of one single industry — especially an industry so important to our quality of life, vibe and local labor force. While I ultimately supported the tax – I vigorously proposed more sustainable options during the debate and wish we could have taken more time to discuss the overall idea and long term impact of the program.

However, I have learned a great deal through the successes and challenges of my first term.  Most importantly, I have learned patience and better understand why we cannot always expect things to happen exactly as we might like.  There are many considerations and implications to each decision – and this must not be taken lightly.

Moving forward, I will continue to scrutinize the budget to find inefficiencies and other — more progressive — ways to support the schools after this two year period when the meals tax will automatically revert to current levels. If re-elected, I look forward to continuing as a member of the Joint Services Committee and playing a vital role – in cooperation with the schools — to find innovative and sustainable ways to support public education.

I am committed to ensuring Roanoke’s government is fiscally responsible - with a balanced approach to meeting current needs while still preparing for a positive future.  We must pay close attention to public safety, infrastructure, and most importantly our schools so our city can offer a high quality of life to all of our citizens.  As a father, educator, businessman and citizen – I have always been a vocal about the idea that our schools are our most important economic engine and are the most important measure of our success as a whole.

I am grateful to you for sharing your thoughts and am sorry for those of you who are disappointed in the outcome.  I hope you will all continue to support our local restaurants as we see the city through this very difficult time.

Thanks,  Dave