The local option sales tax which Albert Lea residents will decide in a special election on Nov. 8, makes sense on a number of fronts.

If approved, money from the tax will go toward improving water quality and the shoreline of area waterways, including Albert Lea and Fountain lakes.

The sales tax would be charged on all qualifying purchases &045; tax exempt products would remain free of this tax as well &045; to anyone shopping in our fair city. If a levy is assessed, it would apply only to city residents, rather than anyone who might use the lakes.

The amount collected &045; a half cent &045; would hardly be missed over the course of a year, whereas a levy, payable once a year, would definitely be felt by many.

One can argue no tax &045; whether a sales tax or a levy &045; should be passed on to already-overtaxed residents, however, no tax is simply not an option. The waters must be cleaned up for the long-term health of the area and its citizens.

The question city taxpayers must ask themselves is would they rather pay for the cleanup themselves, or share the cost with anyone who shops in Albert Lea as well as

potential users of the lakes who visit our community?

Take the time to get your questions answered &045; this issue will affect you for years to come &045; during any of several planned informational sessions. One is planned at 7 p.m. tonight, at Riverland Community College in Albert Lea and is sponsored by the Committee for Clean Lakes.

A no vote in November will not address the no-tax lament. As an amenity of the area, our waterways must be cleaned up &045; it’s just a matter of how it will be financed.