So far the unlikely allies are the Cuyahoga County Republican Party and Democratic Cleveland Councilman Zachary Reed. Cuyahoga County Commissioners Tim Hagan and Jimmy Dimora have set the wheels in motion to raise the sales tax a quarter percent to 7 3/4 percent. It's already the state's highest. Reed and Republicans echo each other saying people deserve a right to vote on a universal tax and a project of this significance. Republican Executive Director Steven Backiel says, "The Republican Party believes this is an issue that should be brought up at the ballot box , not an administrative meeting between commisssioners. We intend to work in a bi-partisan fashion to make sure the residens have their rightful say on this issue." Reed said, "This is clearly taxation without representation. They represent us. They should come get feedback from citizens. Nine out of ten times, citizens get it right." Mayor Frank Jackson supports the project and the tax saying, "We are investing in our strength. Our strength is our medical infrastructure. The best tax is one you don't have to pay. A good tax is one where you get something for it. I would say this is a good tax." The county has put the presentation explaining what a medical mart is and what benefits it could bring on it's website (see the related link below.) Opponents must collect about 45,000 signatures to override the commissioners action and force a vote to have a vote. Details on a petition drive stil being worked out. Commissioners Hagan and Dimora say they are elected to decide what's best for the community and make difficult decisions. Hagan and Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones who is against the imposed quarter percent tax are both up for re-election next year. Click "Play Video" to watch Tom Beres' report

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