RubberBuzz || Akron Unleashed: Art Up in Smoke

6.14.2005

Art Up in Smoke

I am not a smoker. It's not that I'm against it, in fact, I like the smell of some cigarettes, and if I didn't smell like an ashtray when I came home from the bar, I'd be a little disappointed. But now I feel like I need to encourage people to take a puff on their smoky treats; it could mean more art for Summit County.

If the circumstances work out, it's possible that sometime in the future Summit County residents will have to thank smokers for new statues, paintings and other public art projects.[...]

The Ohio Senate has added language to the pending state budget bill to allow for a tax of up to 30 cents per pack to be levied by counties -- with voters' approval -- to pay for arts projects and programming.

This would be an interesting issue to put on the ballot. I'm sure there would be an outcry from the puffing populous and maybe even one from the non-smoking section. The 30 cent per pack tax could be overwhelming for this area and I think people would have a hard time passing a bill for art when they have a hard enough time trying to support local schools. Would I like to see something like this pass? Sure. I love art and everyone can benefit from it, but I don't think this should be a Summit County priority. Unless RubberBuzz is considered art and we get a cut, then I think we should pass it... tomorrow.

The BJ :: Summit arts district considered

(joe :: Art Up in Smoke)

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