Letters To The Editor

Mon., Sept. 6, 1999

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Myths and facts of I-695

Myth, reducing the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (MVET) that I pay to license my car is fair and just. It is an equal tax for all citizens.

Fact, I-695 will reduce what we pay to license your motor vehicle in the state of Washington. Owners of all vehicles will pay only $30 per vehicle per year. While this seems like a good idea, the wealthiest people who make the most money will save the most. In addition, the owners of heavy vehicles who travel the roads and do the most damage will save more than anyone. The average taxpayer in the state will only save about $142 per year. The owners of heavy cumbersome vehicles will save thousands, with no money left to repair the roads.

Myth, the state will find other ways to find the funds.

Fact, the MVET helps fund law and justice, new roads, public health, fire protection, emergency medical services transit agencies, state ferry system. Where will the priorities lie? With the police department, fire Department, emergency medical services, or with the transportation Department for new roads?

Bad initiatives will make bad laws. Vote no on I-695. Dennis Antonellis Spokane

Make users pay for what they use

I-695 makes sense. Why should my tax dollars go to Spokane Transit Authority or any other form of public transportation if I do not use the service? Let the people who use the services pay more to support the services.

As for street and highway monies for maintenance or new construction, these dollars should be paid at the fuel pumps. This way the people who use the streets and highways would be the ones paying for them. Florence E. Booher Airway Heights

Liberals should be commended

That there are people who think like Mike R. Scalera (Letters, Aug. 23) almost defies belief. He actually blames liberals for all the wrongs in today’s society.

The fact he is able to write a letter of reasonable clarity is probably a tribute to his or one of his ancestor’s opportunity to attend college under the GI bill, a Liberal concept and program.

The fact he probably lives in a decent dwelling is a tribute to Liberals making it easier for average working people to afford homes of their own.

It was Liberal administrations that gave minorities a leg up in the 60s, making racism anathema to our society. African Americans enjoy an average standard of living that is higher now than ever before in our history.

It is unfortunate that minds like Scalera’s are closed to the magnificence of our America. There are literally millions who would sacrifice almost anything to enjoy the benefits of a society that he so deplores.

One can’t help wondering if people who think like this even know what the word liberal means. Liberal: “having, expressing or following views or policies that favor the freedom of individuals to act or express themselves in a manner of their own choosing.” What an awful concept! Ed Meadows Spokane

I-695 about fairness

The point of I-695 seems to have been missed. it is not about money, it is about fairness. Say the state of Washington makes $880 million on vehicle excise tax. As a multi-vehicle owner, why should I pay so much more than a person with only one vehicle. I do not drive any more miles per year than the average person. Thus, I do not use the roads any more than another person, yet, I pay $2,000 a year and my neighbor only pays $60.

Let’s divide the $880 million equally, and pay $30 per each additional vehicle. That would be fair. My vehicles are my hobby, and I do not drive them all at once. Craig A. Coppock Spokane

SPOKANE INTERSTATE FAIR

Ban sends message to kids

I would like to congratulate the Spokane County Commissioners for their decision to ban smoking at the Spokane County Fair. It is a good decision because it:

Recognizes that tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of disease and death. It is so important that our community does everything it can to support the message that tobacco is a deadly product.

Recognizes that secondhand smoke is not only irritating to those who don’t smoke, but that it can also trigger respiratory and asthma attacks and increase the risk of heart disease and cancer in those who are exposed to it.

Recognizes that public smoking sends a message to our kids that it is okay to smoke and this is not the message we want to send. More than 80 percent of smokers start smoking before they are 18 years of age. It is so important that our community does everything it can to prevent smoking by teens and our commissioners have done the right thing by not allowing it at this very important community event.

Recognizes that smokers are in the minority (only approximately 22 percent of the Spokane County population smokes) and acknowledges that the majority of the population support banning smoking at public events.

Thanks Commissioners Roskelley, McCaslin, and Harris, for doing the right thing! Trish Seghers, Center for Health Promotion Manager, Group Health Northwest

Offer Commissioners your support

The Spokane County Commissioners are to be complemented for banning smoking at the Spokane County Interstate Fair. Spurred on by a resolution by the Spokane Regional Health District board of directors, the commissioners took this important step to foster the concept that family events should be nonsmoking. This demonstrates to youth that smoking is not healthy, and that the government of Spokane County does not condone it.

Those feeling offended by this action should realize that nationally, and in Washington State, there are no smokers’ rights. This issue is one of health, and of the adverse effects of smoking. Smokers should realize that they are setting an example for impressionable youngsters, and they should not influence others to take part in the unhealthy practice of smoking.

I encourage others who favor the banning of smoking at the fair to contact the Spokane County Commissioners and offer them your support. Dennis Biggs, Jr., M.D. Board Member, American Cancer Society in Spokane

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Letters To The Editor

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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