Assume that Abby, Ben, Clara, Joe, and Matt are the only citizens in a community. A proposed public good has a total cost of $1,000. All five citizens will share an equal portion of this cost in taxes. The benefit of the public good is $220 to Abby, $210 to Ben, $210 to Clara, $180 to Joe, and $120 to Matt. Who will likely vote in favor of this proposal?

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Each citizen's share of the cost is $200 ($1,000 total cost divided by 5 citizens). Abby, Ben, and Clara each value the public good at more than $200 ($220, $210, and $210 respectively), so they would likely vote in favor. Joe and Matt value the good at less than $200 ($180 and $120 respectively), so they would likely vote against it.

Assume That Abby, Ben, Clara, Joe, and Matt Are the Only