Mayoral Candidate Clark Scherer and City Council (district II) candidates Christine Brown and Courtland Yarborough have signed the Cut Taxes Now "Tax and Spending Pledge".  These candidates are attempting to replace incumbent Mayor Mike yakes and Incumbent Councilwoman Michelle King who have refused to sign our pledge at this point.  Mayoral Challenger Marlene Shaw has also refused to sign the pledge. Gulfport, like many other cities has seen a doubling of tax collections since 2000.  During that time citizen's average income has remained at about $25,000 and the population has not increased.  Yet the Tax Revenues have doubled to about $3 million dollars.

Scherer and Brown Sign Pledge. Pictured: Christine Brown, Cut Taxes Now Chair David McKalip and Clark Scherer. “If elected to the office of Mayor (or council) of Gulfport, Florida, I pledge to offer a budget with locally generated revenue and spending that will grow no more than the lesser of 3% or inflation and population growth barring a declared state of emergency or a vote of the citizens of Gulfport. Further, by the second year in office, I will offer a budget to decrease city spending and all tax and fee collections compared to the prior year”. Key Points Grow spending and taxes no greater than 3% or inflation + population growth. Require Voter Referendum to overturn. Cut the budget in their second year in office.