For far too long, taxes have been vilified by the politicians as if they were something sinister or criminal. Yet, it is taxes that pay the salaries and benefits of those politicians once they get elected. The politicians preach about cutting waste in government. It all sounds good during election time. Yet many of those same advocates for cutting waste do little or nothing to earn their salaries and benefits. That’s waste. Do we ever hear any of them suggesting cutting their salaries and benefits? Oh, no!

However, cutting taxes really translates into cutting government services. That means limiting police and fire protection, increasing class sizes in education, longer wait times for services and building permits to be issued, and reduced maintenance and preservation of our public buildings and infrastructure (roads, bridges, sewer and water systems).

It is doubtful if any of us individually look forward to paying taxes any more than anyone else does. However, we shouldn’t complain about it either, as we all can appreciate the benefits derived from what our taxes pay for.

It’s time to seriously question those politicians who so vehemently oppose taxes and vilify them. Cast your vote accordingly.

Butch Slaughter

Spokane