collecting - Coingate fallout letter: have it without the buggy link this time.

I got the letter from the Blade's website here, figured I would
just post it rather than a link this time since there seems
to be some possible tech problems with that method:

I applaud The Blade for its coverage of "Coingate." However, it
appears that all Ohio coin dealers will have to bear a
"trickle-down" effect from this controversy.

Rep. Peter Ujvagi seeks to rescind a 16-year-old sales tax exemption on
investment coins and bullion. This action will place an unwarranted
hardship on all Ohio coin dealers and the coin-buying public, hobbyist,
collector, or investor.

My customers, unaccustomed to paying this sales tax, will make their
purchases tax-free on ebay or tax free in nearby Michigan or Indiana.
This loss of customers will also affect nearby businesses who often
patronize other area businesses, restaurants, specialty shops, grocery
stores, gas stations, etc.

The newly remodeled Westfield Mall also attracts many ladies who shop
while their husbands spend time in the coin shop. All of these
purchases are taxable. Can the Toledo area with its depressed economy
really afford this loss of revenue?

It is our hope that the abuses of "Coingate" will not affect those
of us in the coin business doing an honest, fair, and ethical job. Mr.
Ujvagi, in his zeal to promote his own political agenda, has unfairly
targeted all Ohio coin dealers. His misdirected wrath and
short-sightedness will force Ohioans to pay more sales tax.

Their unwillingness to do this will result in a loss of business for
all Ohio coin dealers. If passage occurs we will have to restructure
our business practices regarding the way we buy and sell.

We currently appraise and liquidate estates for Lucas County Probate
Court and also heirs desiring to liquidate coin collections. It would
be hard to justify the purchase of these collections if I lose
potential buyers/customers to out-of-state coin dealers. Mr. Ujvagi's
HB275 stinks of political maneuvering.

CLYDE ENGLEHARDT
President/Owner
Toledo Coin Exchange
Sylvania