Musicians from a group called The Roots of American Music spent their lunch hour playing on the steps of Severance Hall. They were just one of several dozen artists offering free or discounted performances across the County in support of Issue 18. The November 7th ballot proposal asks Cuyahoga County voters to approve an additional 30 cent a pack tax on cigarettes. The money would fund about $20 million in annual arts grants - cash arts organizations say is critical to their operating support and educational programming.
But opponents like former local libertarian party candidate Garry Seman call the tax unfair.
Garry Seman: For matters of entertainment, I don't think the government should be in the business of compelling you to give your money to something you may or may not enjoy.
Issue 18 backers have filed a complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission against Seman alleging that his anti-18 website is getting cash from tobacco giant Philip Morris USA. Seman and a Philip Morris spokesman say that's not true. I'm Mhari Saito, 90.3.