Tasty Morning Bytes – Tourism is Up, Defending Corner Markets, Whites Like Taxes
Good morning, DCentric readers! Welcome to your Wednesday links:
D.C. tourism rebounding from recession “In addition to lodging, visitor spending last year increased in all major categories, including food and entertainment. The spending from tourists accounts for more than half of the sales tax generated by the city annually and supports more than 70,000 jobs, making the hospitality industry the city’s second-largest employer after the federal government.” (Washington Examiner )
In Defense of the Corner Market “The argument about food deserts seems to be premised on the assumption that supermarkets — suburban-style, big-box, corporate chain stores with plenty o’ parking — are inherently superior to walkable, family owned food markets that serve low-income populations. The media portrays these corner markets as liquor stores or “discount” stores carrying little fresh produce and lots of Hostess cupcakes…many analyses have completely ignored the presence of small, family-owned food markets and their important role in feeding urban populations.” (Streetsblog DC)
D.C. Taxes: White Voters More Supportive of Mayor Vince Gray’s Plans than Black Voters, Poll Finds “Broken down by ward groups, respondents in largely white wards 2 and 3 were the most open to raising taxes on those making $200,000, with a whopping 91 percent saying they found Gray’s proposal acceptable. The mostly black wards 7 and 8, by contrast, had 82 percent of respondents finding the higher income tax rates okay.” (Washington City Paper)
‘Excessed’ teachers likely to be terminated “The head of the union that represents D.C. Public Schools teachers said Tuesday that he thinks there is a “high probability” hundreds of teachers who received “excess” notices this week ultimately will be terminated. Washington Teachers Union President Nathan Saunders said his organization already is talking with acting schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson about the possibility of reversing some of those notices without sending teachers through the grievance process and will be paying close attention to Mayor Vincent C. Gray’s reaction of the scenario.” (Washington Times)
D.C. Council tweaks Gray’s budget plan “Seeking to add police officers, preserve shelters for homeless families and maintain low-cost bus service, the D.C. Council this week has started making tweaks to Mayor Vincent C. Gray’s $10.8 billion spending plan. Council Chairman Kwame R. Brown (D) said Tuesday that his “number one objective” is to keep shelters open for homeless families and victims of domestic violence. Advocates testified Monday that Gray’s budget cuts threaten to shutter the only city-managed shelter serving families, except during cold weather, when the District is legally required to offer beds.” (The Washington Post)