Forum’s Editorials Get Wants And Needs Backwards

If tax increases are absolutely required then those tax increases for basic needs should always come before tax increases for entertainment and tourism.

Previously, I wrote about Fargo’s recent push for higher taxes on multiple fronts and how that could create more support for abolishing property taxes in November if local government pushed for higher taxes before that vote.

On August 9th, the Fargo Forum editorial board issued an opinion in favor of the proposed sales tax for FargoDome improvements and to subsidize the convention and visitors bureau:

Fargo voters will decide in November whether to raise two separate city taxes : a quarter-cent sales tax that would help pay for upgrades to the Fargodome and a doubling of the city's hotel tax that could be used to help build a future convention center.

Voters should say “yes” to both measures.

[…]

Fargo and its surrounding communities are growing and becoming more dynamic. It’s time for Fargo voters to make these modest investments that allow the community to keep improving.

Vote yes to both of these November ballot questions.

Then on Friday, the Fargo Forum editorial board issued another opi…