Proposal’s details alarming

I encourage those who support Envision Spokane’s proposed city charter amendments to actually read it at www.envisionspokane.org. According to Mr. Kai Huschke, a “living wage” is 165 percent of the current minimum wage or $14.10 per hour for every worker – full-time, part-time, temporary or seasonal. Washington already has the highest minimum wage in the nation. What do you suppose will happen to prices if every business’ labor costs suddenly increase 65 percent? Think they’ll stay the same?

It also advocates a “right” to health care and a “right” to housing. Is there something in the Constitution or the Bill of Rights that I’ve missed? Who pays for this? It also would give a neighborhood the “right” to veto any project they feel may adversely affect it – regardless of any benefit to the city or other neighborhoods. “Not in my backyard” would be the rule. Given this, how many people would want to do business in Spokane?

Thomas Jefferson said, “if we can but prevent the government from wasting the labours of the people, under the pretence of taking care of them, they must become happy.”

We have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – the rest is up to us.

Paul Perovich

Spokane