Blue Springs Examiner
Time and time again, Independence City Council members say they’ve heard their constituents express concern for public safety and for an increased presence of police officers. Come April 3, voters will say whether they are willing to pay extra – as property owners – for that sense of security.
The streak has ended. The approval of eleven consecutive ballot issues in Independence fell Tuesday as 60.45 percent of voters said “no” to a sales tax increase that would have funded additional police officers, equipment, facilities and technology. “The people have spoken,” Independence Mayor Don Reimal said Tuesday night shortly after the final precinct reported. Reimal and other supporters informally gathered at The Courthouse Exchange. “We need to take a look at what they’ve said, look at their concerns and see what we can do to alleviate their concerns.