SPRINGFIELD -- Springfield voters will decide the fate of the police and fire pension fund 3/4-percent sales tax on Nov. 3. If it succeeds, no one person will be more responsible for its passage than Mayor Jim O'Neal, who has been tirelessly trying to reach the persuadable -- no matter how big or small the group.

In February, a 1-percent sales tax for the pension fund failed by 881 votes. That's about 10 votes a precinct.  Despite the economic picture, O'Neal is confident he's changing voters minds, one group at a time.

Tuesday night, it was a Lions Club that wanted to hear from O'Neal.  It'sthe latest in a string of civic minded groups of mostly older people with whom O'Neal has met, because they are the most reliable voters.

"These people are influential; they'll network, tell others. Whether for better or for worse, they're going to have an opinion that permeates the community around them," O'Neal said.

Seven months ago, Robert Stueven came out to vote against the pension tax hike.

"I don't think I had enough information," Stueven said.

"Some people were just flat mad. They said I want to know who did this," O'Neal acknowledged during the meeting.

After listening to the mayor make his half-hour pitch, Stueven became convinced.

"The number one question that I anticipated and have been answering from the beginning was: 'How'd we get here?'," O'Neal said.

Stueven said he now understands the dire situation better and that, even if voters reject the 3/4-percent hike, the problem won't be going away.

"I wasn't sure that I was for it but, after his presentation, I think I've changed my mind. I probably will vote for the sales tax," Stueven said.

In his presentation to the Lions Club, O'Neal also framed the issue as one of controlling "our own destiny."

"Because if we don't do this, it's going to be done by somebody else for us in a court of law more than likely," he warned.

Voters decide Tuesday -- but KY3 will help answer your lingering questions about the issue during a special edition of Ozarks Today Sunday at 7 a.m.   We're seeking your questions to pose to city officials during a special forum on the pension tax.

Leave your questions in the comment section for consideration -OR- post them on Dave Catanese's FACEBOOK page or send them to Dave via TWITTER.