Tax commuters for marketing?

How do you feel about taxing commuters to supplement promotion of the cityâ??s convention industry? The idea was floated in
an article by IBJ reporter Anthony Schoettle about the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association asking for more money to attract events to the expanded
Indiana Convention Center.

The ICVA wants $3 million to $5 million more a year from a major funding source, the Capital Improvement Board, which has
its own financial problems operating Lucas Oil Stadium and other properties.

City-County Council President Bob Cockrum suggested a tax of 0.25 percent on incomes of people living in outlying counties
but working in Marion County.

Past discussions about a commuter tax have gone nowhere for fear of driving more businesses out of Marion County. Yet, Indianapolis
officials point out that surrounding counties benefit plenty from their proximity to Indianapolisâ??and scarcely lift a finger
to help.

Thoughts?