Nov. 4, 2014 is not only an exciting day because of the federal elections, but also because of new city-wide measures for the city of Liberty. Liberty residents have taken, interest in voting on three specific initiatives this fall: using tax dollars for overcrowded animal shelters, creating a transient tax to attract more tourists and visitors to Liberty, using an economic development tax to increase land for business and residential growth and to help with the congestion of traffic. These initiatives all focus on the economy and residents of Liberty as well as focusing on the rising population and public.

The first ballot question pertains to a use tax. The city is asking voters if they would like to institute a 2.5% use tax, which is equal to the city’s sales tax. If approved, Liberty can improve conditions for overcrowded animal shelters which have been around since 1974. If it is approved, the use tax would only apply on transactions where no local sales tax is already collected. The shelter serves 600 animals a year and is growing rapidly with the increase of residential population in Liberty. The vote would ensure the construction of a new animal shelter with updated technology and an increase in staff to help animals in need.

The second ballot question involves the introduction of a transient guest tax. This tax would help promote tourism and provide the funds to showcase the city of Liberty. If this tax is approved it would generate approximately $168,000 which would go towards the construction of way-finding signs in Liberty; in turn supporting Liberty festivals and special events. It would also support funding of public art to attract new tourists to Liberty. Guests and tourists who stay in Liberty hotels and motels would pay a 5% transient guest tax to help fund the project.

The final question on the ballot pertain to an Economic Development Tax. Liberty is asking voters to implement 3/8 Economic Development Tax for road and residential construction. The current congestion of traffic in Liberty is a huge problem, so this tax would extend South Liberty Parkway from Withers Road to M-291. It would also improve Historic Downtown and increase the construction of sidewalks and crosswalks. Liberty residents and nonresidents would pay this tax, because it would apply to anyone who shops in Liberty. The tax, if approved, would begin Apr. 1, 2015 and expire Mar. 31, 2035. This would also open more land for residential and commercial re-development.

For more information on any ballot measures and the upcoming ballot questions you can visit the city’s website at http://www.ci.liberty.mo.us

Recently the trend of young-adult-novels-transformed-into-blockbuster-hits has spread like wildfire. “The Giver,” based on the book by Lois Lowry, is a blockbuster hit, although it does not have the same effect or following of its predecessors. Written nearly 18 years ago, the book was a national bestseller and a popular read for many schools across the nation. The premise of the story takes place in a utopian society, a world of perfection and “sameness.” While the movie captures the essence and the message of the story very clearly, it will not attract millions of fans like “Twilight” or “The Hunger Games.” The story includes many ethical questions and a quest for justice and love, but it lacks the depth and time to answer all of these questions. Personally, I enjoyed the movie and I would definitely see it again. Phillip Noyce’s directorial style was very interesting and captured my attention right away. The star-studded cast included Meryl Streep as Chief Elder, Jeff Bridges as The Giver, Katie Holmes as Jonas’ mother and Brenton Thwaites as Jonas.

When Jonas turned 18, he was given the job of receiving others’ memories. Jonas always felt different in the perfect community he lived in, but he never said anything. He accepted everything at face value and did not question why things were the way they were. When he met The Giver, Jonas experienced a whole side of the world he had never seen or felt before. Jonas experienced memories of war, pain, happiness and most importantly, love. When Jonas realized the inhumanity and secrets of the elders and the community, he knew he had to do something to restore the memories. Here began his journey with The Giver to restore balance within the world. It was the Receiver’s job to hold all of the memories of history and advise the elders on matters of right and wrong. The Receiver knew what it was like to feel pain, hurt, starvation and even death: they held the intricate balance of the community. Jonas and The Giver knew the burden was too large to keep between them, so they decided to set it free.

I would give this movie 3.5 stars out of 5. It was directed very well and the script was great, but I wish they would have expanded it more and included more of the book. The key events like the apple scene and Jonas’ realization of love were kept in the film, but there were some scenes that did not make the cut. The acting by veterans like Streep, Bridges and Holmes was on par as usual, and I was also pleasantly surprised by Thwaites and his co-star Odeya Rush, who played Fiona. Even though they are young, they kept up with the veteran actors. There was no imbalance of skill and talent even with the mixed bag. Holmes and Streep did an amazing job playing antagonist roles and the tension between Streep and Bridges was phenomenal. Streep makes you want to hate her and question her every move, and Bridges transcends the role of the Protector and Giver to new limits. They play their characters off of each other so well.

Although this is not the next blockbuster phenomenon starting worldwide trends and a new base of fans, it is still an enjoyable movie to see with friends. It is not an action, thriller or suspenseful movie; it is purely a mystery. It gives a new and literal meaning to grass being greener on the other side. You will learn how to experience emotions all over again and maybe even shed a tear or two.