Voters accepted Columbia Water and Light’s request to increase electric utility taxes by 6% over the next five years along with the stormwater utilities suggested rate adjustment to address failing and inadequate storm water systems.
Mitch Richards is the spokesperson of Boone County for Liberty, which according to its website is a Missouri based Political Action Committee whose purpose is the advocacy of economic and civil liberties.
BCFL spearheaded the opposition campaign to Columbia’s proposition 1 and 2.
Richards says although the opposition campaign did not prevent the passing of the propositions he believes the organization will continue to be a voice in the community.
“We've been involved with some fourth amendment issues and some other tax issues, so I imagine we’ll stick around and continue to be a voice in the community…so I don't think that will change at all,” Richards said.
Richards said he knew being a “bluegrass roots” organization working on a minimal budget would be a long shot in influencing voter’s decisions but, he is confident BCFL made a contribution to the community’s conversations on these propositions.
“We had a thousand dollar budget compared to the other side so it was a bit of a long shot from that perspective but, we’re keeping our hopes up and we know that we have made a contribution to community’s discussion on this matter,” Richards said.
Proposition 1 passed with 68% of the vote while Proposition 2 passed with 59%.