Q: Jason, the answer man: I have been a resident in Erie County since 1988, and I clearly remember that when the county sales tax was initially proposed to build the new jail, it was supposed to be a temporary one. Sufficed to say, it is a permanent one. Could you research this to see if I am right, or do I need FOCUSfactor for my poor memory?

— Ed from Perkins Township

A: I don’t know if you need FOCUSfactor, Ed, or if you’re just human. But your recollections aren’t 100 percent accurate. In November 1986, Erie County residents did approve a temporary increase in the sales tax from 6 to 6.5 percent. That extra one-half percent went toward the construction and operation of the new Erie County jail. It was a 72-month tax (six years), which expired in 1993. So in January 1993, the sales tax went back to being 6 percent.

That same year, however, the Erie County commissioners decided to ask residents to make the 6.5 percent sales tax permanent. In November 1993, that happened, and we’ve had 6.5 percent ever since. Just so we’re clear, the extra sales tax approved in 1993 had nothing to do with the Erie County jail; that initial tax was legitimately temporary.

Q: What is the status of Super Fast Car Wash (3411 Milan Road, on the corner of Woodlawn Avenue)? Are people who paid $50 to have their car washed on Mondays for a year going to get a refund?

— Laurie from Waterberry Drive

A: Unfortunately, Laurie, people who paid the $50 probably won’t get any sort of refund. The company who owns the car wash appears to have money troubles — in addition to closing the car wash, it’s behind on its taxes. If the owner was conducting a scam to collect people’s money and then run, you might have some legal recourse. But from my admittedly superficial research, it appears it’s just a company that went out of business due to financial issues.

Q: Jason: Any chance you would throw your hat into the ring for Erie County commissioner? Tom Ferrell’s term expires next year, and you’ve already addressed more residents’ concerns through this mailbag than our local government has done in the last decade. You’re smart, have common sense, you’re good with people and you get answers to tough questions. I think it would be great for Erie County. If you say “yes,” I’ll put the first campaign sign in my yard.

— Colin in Huron

A: You’re too kind, Colin, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. I can help the community right here — fighting for public records, making sure we hold officials accountable for their actions and answering readers’ questions through this mailbag. While I would love to work in public service at some point in my life (I think it’s important good, young people run for office to inject government with fresh ideas and keep incumbents from getting too comfortable), working for the newspaper and running for office would be a conflict of interest. I’m also very happy where I am. 

That being said, I appreciate your kind words and the support everyone in the community shows me, and I hope you keep writing in questions from time to time.

Q: Dear Jason: My friends and I met at Jackson Street dock regularly, and we noticed the U.S. flag is badly tattered. Will the flag be replaced soon? We’re aware it suffers severe winds. Thanks. 

— Juanita on E. Washington Street

A: Thanks for the question, Juanita. I contacted city commissioner Dave Waddington with your concern, and the city will replace the American Flag as soon as possible, he said. If they have one in stock at City Hall, it will happen in the next few days. If they have to order one, it might take a couple days longer than that. Either way, a new one will be up soon. Isn’t it nice to have responsive people in government? Ask and you shall receive.

To ask Jason a question, send a letter to 314 W. Market St. or e-mail singer@sanduskyregister.com. Please include your first name and a location in the e-mail, e.g. “John from Decatur Street.”