By Frank Morris
Kansas City, Missouri – The Bi-State II proposal asks voters in the metropolitan area to approve a quarter cent sales tax for up to 15 years. The 1.2 billion dollars in proceeds will be split evenly between area arts groups and stadium renovations at Arrowhead and Kauffman.
Supporters have been reluctant to debate the issue but KCPT television has found an innovative way to present the issue. The station has staged a mock trial where the merits of the proposed tax increase will be weighed as if in a court of law and presented to a jury.
KCUR's Frank Morris spoke with Nick Haines, KCPT public affairs and news executive producer about "Bi-State II: You Be The Judge" program. Haines says the show is more interesting and entertaining than a typical debate.
Coverage of the Bi-State issue has been a collaboration of KCUR-FM, KCPT-TV, and The Kansas City Star.