Get out and vote YES December 5 for FARGODOME Reimagined.
Can you imagine if 30+ years ago, the community would’ve voted down the FARGODOME? There was a lot of chatter, just as there is now, about why the city should invest in a structure like this. Whether it would be used. How the money could be spent differently. And, let’s face it, no one ever gets excited about paying more taxes. I believe this is a universal attitude that has been debated from the very first tax.
The fact is the FARGODOME desperately needs some updating. We, as a community, will be much more competitive with a convention center that is large enough to house conventions that we’re now losing to cities like Grand Forks, Sioux Falls, and St. Cloud. The proposed sales tax is structured in a way that people from all over who spend money in Fargo will help support this initiative.
I’ve heard complaints about losing concerts to the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. I’m sure there have been some. If we don’t pass this measure, we are bound to lose more. Over the years I’ve seen Hootie and the Blowfish, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Pink, Amy Grant, Prince, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, the Eagles, and Styx all in concerts at the FARGODOME. I would never travel to go to a concert. So imagine, that for someone like me who isn’t super eager to go to concerts, how many amazing experiences I’ve had that there is NO WAY I would’ve had if they had not come to the FARGODOME.
Over the years we’ve taken our kids to Disney on Ice, the circus, and plays. I’ve run the half marathon in and out of the FARGODOME. We’ve been to home shows and ag shows. Bison games. High school tournaments. It goes on and on. It’s about opportunity and vibrancy for our city. It’s about attracting a workforce to a smallish city that has amenities and interesting things to do. It’s about growing and thriving.
The sales tax increase is ¼ of a cent. That’s an actual quarter for every $100 spent. That does not apply to essentials like groceries.
Do your part and get out and vote on December 5. With only one issue on the ballot, it will be quick and easy. You can request absentee voting if you are unable to vote that day. For more information and voting locations visit fargodomereimagine.com.
