As our legislators work at putting together a budget, it is likely there will be differing points of view and apparently the view from Ocracoke Island looks a lot different than it does from the committee room in Raleigh, where it seems they see sense in imposing a toll on the Ocracoke/Hatteras ferry. We see it as a way to put a quick death to a small island economy that is already struggling amidst a significant recession, beach access restrictions and high gas prices.
Is it "small business friendly" to suddenly impose a tax that will significantly cut tourism, our main source of business income?
Through tourism and hard work, Ocracoke has become the main provider of income and sales tax to Hyde County, where it is badly needed. It would be a great mistake for the budget-cutting frenzy in Raleigh to put a chokehold on businesses here in Ocracoke, only to cut the lifeline to Hyde County.
With tolls already on the mainland ferry routes, we're not looking for special treatment. On the contrary we don't want to be singled out as the only community in North Carolina that can be reached only by paying a toll.
Tom Pahl
Read more: http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/04/19/1138821/choking-ocracoke.html#ixzz1JzMGuApQ
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