Erie County deserves better

Erie County's tourism industry is a cornerstone of our economy, drawing visitors to our shores and islands, fueling jobs, and supporting local businesses. The bed tax levy, paid by visitors staying in our hotels and lodgings, was designed to promote this vital industry through targeted marketing and tourism initiatives led by organizations like Shores & Islands. Yet, a misguided piece of legislation, championed by two of our own Erie County Commissioners and authored by State Senator Theresa Gavarone, threatens to undermine this system by diverting these funds to unrelated purposes like infrastructure, public safety, and economic development. This is not just a policy misstep — it's a betrayal of trust that risks long-term damage to our community. Just three months ago, these same commissioners celebrated giving Erie County taxpayers an $8 million property tax break, a move hailed as relief for residents. Now, in a baffling contradiction, they are pushing to raid the tourism bed tax — funds generated by visitors, not residents — to pay for the very things property taxes have historically covered: infrastructure, safety services and economic development. This is not leadership; it's a not-so-veiled attempt to shift financial burdens onto the tourism industry without regard for the consequences. What's worse, this legislation was crafted in secrecy, without input from the businesses that generate these bed tax dollars or the local governments that rely on tourism to thrive. The commissioners' refusal to engage stakeholders reveals a troubling disregard for transparency and collaboration. Senator Gavarone has called her recent amendment to reduce the amount of bed tax dollars that can be diverted a "compromise." But with whom was this compromise struck? The county commissioners who pushed for this scheme? The county treasurer who testified in its favor before the finance committee? Certainly not the businesses that collect the tax, the local governments that benefit from tourism, or the residents who will ultimately bear the cost of diminished tourism promotion. The community's response has been swift and clear. In just two weeks, an online petition opposing this legislation has gathered over 1,100 signatures from residents, business owners, and local leaders who understand the stakes. Editorials and public outcries have echoed the same message: diverting bed tax dollars will cripple our ability to market Erie County as a premier tourist destination, threatening jobs and economic stability. If Sandusky residents believe their city will benefit from county commissioners controlling these funds, they are gravely mistaken. History shows that these same commissioners have previously redirected tourism dollars to infrastructure projects and business bailouts unrelated to tourism — hardly a track record inspiring confidence. Most alarming is the commissioners' threat to dismantle Shores & Islands, the very organization tasked with promoting our region's tourism. This is not a new tactic; they've held a gun to Shores & Islands' head before, using intimidation to siphon off tourism funds for unrelated purposes. Such strong-arming erodes the trust between our elected officials and the community they serve — a trust that, once lost, is incredibly difficult to restore. This legislation, even with its watered-down amendment, remains unacceptable. Diverting bed tax dollars undermines the purpose of the levy and jeopardizes the economic engine that tourism represents for Erie County and the ten other Ohio counties affected. If it passes, it will come at a steep cost in political capital for those who support it. Our commissioners and Senator Gavarone must listen to the voices of their constituents — over 1,100 strong and growing — and abandon this flawed proposal. We call on our elected officials to do the right thing: withdraw this legislation and commit to a transparent, inclusive process that respects the tourism industry and the residents who depend on it. Engage with the businesses that generate these funds, the local governments that benefit from tourism, and the community at large. Protect Shores & Islands and the vital work it does. Erie County's future as a vibrant tourist destination hangs in the balance, and it's never too late to choose accountability over expediency. Let's preserve the trust and economic vitality that make our community strong. Dick Brady President, Sandusky City Commission