Why Vote No

Why vote No on February 28th?

… NO special handouts for one developer

On February 28th, Wichita voters will decide whether the Ambassador Hotel will be able to keep 75 percent of the guest tax it collects for 15 years. A “Yes” vote means that the hotel owner will keep an estimated $2.25 million of tax collections over 15 years. A “No” vote means you would rather see the hotel’s guest tax collections handled in the usual manner — funding Wichita’s convention and tourism promotions, and debt service, maintenance, and updates of Century II.

Here’s why you should vote “No” on February 28th so that tax fairness is protected for all Wichitans.

Jobs will be created even if you vote No
Voting “No” will not kill jobs. The hotel developer has stated the project will proceed and the hotel will open even through the guest tax rebate is in doubt.

Taxation is not for private gain
Allowing one hotel to keep part of its guest tax for its own personal gain is so extreme that Kansas law required the Wichita City Council to pass a special charter ordinance to accomplish it. That’s why there is an election. An important principle of good government is that taxation is a public function that should be restricted to public uses, not private gain.

Millions of your tax dollars are subsidizing this hotel
The guest tax measure is part of a larger $15 million stimulus package that diverts money from city, state, and federal taxpayers to provide the hotel project with millions in up-front financial benefits, a parking garage, and an urban park. Other measures provide the hotel with ongoing benefits for many years. These programs are not affected by the February 28th election, and will take effect even if you vote No.

The Convention and Tourism fund is going broke
The city can’t afford to divert guest tax money away from the Convention and Tourism fund. The fund will lose $2 million this year, and its balance will be depleted next year. These funds are needed for debt service, maintenance, and upgrades of Century II, a vital part of Wichita’s tourism and convention infrastructure. Without this hotel’s guest tax revenue, Wichita taxpayers will have to pay.

A information sheet with more detail is available by clicking on Ambassador Hotel Information Sheet.

Tax Fairness for All Wichitans
WichitaFairness@gmail.com, 316-708-1837. Website at dtwichita.com.

Contributions may be made to
Tax Fairness for All Wichitans
c/o Kim Potochnik, Treasurer
6927 Woodbury Ct.
Wichita, KS 67226

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