Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/743325
9 Oil Prophets PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE and Senate that this idea is "poli cally impossible" due to opposi on, primarily from the Ci es. Our "fallback" posi on, which we had an agreement on during the 2016 Regular Legisla ve Session, was to at least require any NEW local op on tax to be approved through a public referendum. The Coun es already have to pass this test but the Ci es do not. Unfortunately, even a er we had an agreement with the bill sponsor, pressure from the League of Municipali es forced him to rescind his agreement with us. You can be assured the proponents of the tax increase con nue to work hard at the local level, talking with anyone who will listen. If we are to be successful, we need to be doing exactly the same thing. Our message needs to reflect that we are not opposed to a reasonable increase, but we must also address the issue of local op on taxes. Whether through leveliza on or with the public referendum idea, something needs to be done. Increasing the statewide tax while s ll allowing local op on taxes with no real check and balance is just not acceptable. So what can you do? Use the me between now and the 2017 Regular Legisla ve Session to educate those in your area about the issue. Talk to your City Council members, your County Commissioners and your local House and Senate member. Be sure they know that we DO NOT OPPOSE a reasonable increase in the statewide tax, but instead just seek some relief from the hodge-podge of taxa on we currently face. Sincerely, J. Bart Fletcher, CAE P&CMA President The P&CMA PAC Patrons' Club, with an initial goal of 25 association members statewide, represents those members who have made the highest commitment to the association's political activities by contributing to the P&CMA PAC; PMAA's SBC PAC and Marketer Defense Fund; and NACS PAC. Patrons' Club members receive benefits and recognition throughout the year in recognition of their continued commitment to the association's governmental affairs efforts. Members of the P&CMA Patrons' Club: (as of January 1, 2016) David Collins D C Oil Company, Inc. James L. Eidson Eidson Petroleum, Inc. Jim Hays Hays and Son Oil Company, Inc. Wayne A. Hollar The Hollar Company, Inc. Tim Shirley Home Oil Company, Inc. Jonathan Tang Ira Philips, Inc. Jim McGuire McGuire Oil Company, Inc. Richard M. Mayers Midstates Petroleum Company R. Shayne Lord R. S. Lord, LLC Jim Parr Parr's, Inc. Guy J. Spencer, III The Spencer Companies, Inc. James Wadsworth Wadsworth Oil Company of Clanton, Inc. PAC Patrons' For information on becoming a PAC Patron, please contact Bart Fletcher at the association office.