October 18, 2009 in Letters

I-1033 is irresponsible

The Spokesman-Review
 

The Spokane City Council has unanimously recommended that voters reject Initiative 1033, the latest brainchild of Tim Eyman and his buddy on the East Side, Mike Fagan. Council members realize, as should all citizens, that I-1033 is another attack on the fabric of American society, cutting services to the general public such as police, firefighting, schools, road maintenance, libraries and children’s health care, which do require taxes, whether we like it or not. Amber Waldref, candidate for City Council, agrees that I-1033 would be a disaster for our community.

The trouble with I-1033 is that it limits the amount that can be spent by government using last year as its baseline. 2008 was one of the most troubled years economically in recent history, approaching the years of the Great Depression.

People were without jobs. Their lack of income resulted in a precipitous drop in spending, which meant a huge reduction in state revenue since it relies heavily on sales tax. Because of this, essential services are drying up. Do we want this decline in our quality of life to continue? I say no.

Waldref is running against Fagan for City Council. She is competent, effective and understands that I-1033 is irresponsible.

Linda Greene

Spokane

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One comment on this story so far. Add yours!

  • SteveZemke on October 19 at 1:25 p.m.

    Spread the word and tell people to vote NO on Eyman’s latest scheme to pick your pockets for the wealthy. Because I-1033 is really a wealth transfer scheme, taking tax dollars paid by renters and others without property and using it to help pay the property taxes of the wealthy.

    Here are some of the things your tax dollars go for now:

    educating our children
    providing health care for seniors and children
    mental health services
    repairing roads and bridges
    keeping parks and libraries open
    paying for police and fire protection
    paying for courts and jails
    providing clean water and clean air
    sidewalks and bike paths
    affordable public transit
    emergency services
    services for seniors and disabled
    and the list goes on.

    But here is what your tax dollars above Eyman’s recession level spending limit will go for if I-1033 passes:

    paying property taxes
    That’s all.

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