Will a sales tax keep criminals locked up?

YOUNGSTOWN — Ten years of on again, off again sales taxes in Mahoning County has added up to a lot of money that never made it into the hands of government officials.

It stayed in taxpayers’ hands instead. How much? Try $41 million.

On May 8, residents will again be asked to consider a half-cent sales tax renewal. Only this time, we’ll be asked to make it a continuous tax. Officials say it’s so criminals can stay locked up and the rest of county government can continue functioning.

The county is struggling to meet a growing demand for jail beds fueled by a rising crime rate and a dreadfully backlogged criminal docket in common pleas court.

For the complete story, see Sunday's Vindicator.