Letters

Education must be a priority in hard times

Currently before Valley voters is an opportunity for citizens to take action and make a real difference in our community, right here and right now. This action is a resounding “yes” vote for our school replacement levies.

A “yes” vote will reaffirm our belief in the necessity of education to move our communities and our nation forward, and will continue the promise of one generation to the next for the betterment of all.

A “yes” vote is also a vote to strengthen our economic infrastructure. No amount of municipal spending and stimulus by any local government can overcome a weakened school system. Money, jobs and human capital will flow to those communities that have prioritized and made the commitment to excellence, despite economic challenges.

In this time of financial stresses, we too, must define our priorities. Our children must not be penalized and school operating budgets decimated by fiscal shortsightedness. The crucial components of our democracy and economic well-being are formed locally, through positive action. Each of us is needed for this success. Please vote “yes” Feb. 14 for our children and for our community.

Dean and Elizabeth Grafos

Spokane Valley

Main Street Fairness Act anything but fair

During December’s special session Senator Mike added Mike Padden and other Republican senators voted for SJM 8009. The summary reads, “requesting respectfully for adoption of the federal Main Street Fairness Act.”

His “never voted for a tax increase in 14 years as a representative,” led me to believe he’d be against tax increases as a senator. The Federal Main Street Fairness Act will place new taxes on all Internet internet businesses without a physical presence in a state. “Yes” on this “memorial bill” gave his stamp of approval for Congress to pass this new tax bill. If not approving, why vote yes? 

I emailed Senator Padden and appreciated his phone call the next day. The only reason he mentioned was about “fairness” to brick-and-mortar businesses. Really? Why ignore “fairness” to home businesses or those with a small retail place in one state? It’s “fair” to require them to purchase $5-$40,000 of specialized software to keep track of multitudes of taxing districts per county per state? It’s “fair” for businesses already having the software vs. the small guys who just want to make a living and might now be put out of business? What about the employees who lose their jobs? What about the required new layers of agencies of expanded government that must audit this new taxed entity? Senator Padden said he was for smaller government. Has he even read MSFA?

He said his “yes” vote was meaningless – it wasn’t a real bill. Constituents don’t appreciate tax-paid officials doing “meaningless” things.

Alene Lindstrand

Spokane