Local government failing

I freely admit I’m a curmudgeon. When did our city and county philosophy change to reflect that the local government was responsible for social programs? I thought helping (SJW code word) “at risk” groups was a community issue and not government’s. Our local government is failing you. By having inadequate police, courts and jails. Our road system is an embarrassment. Why spend multimillions on a pedestrian bridge? We should not “re-do” any main roads until all secondary roads are chip sealed. The current planners’ mentality of traffic calming. Code word for gridlock. It needs to change.

Take a hard look at how much you pay in taxes, with sales tax around 10% and assessed property taxes out of control. The absurdity of a local government structure that “feels” it should be responsible for housing and rentals. If we need housing, change the requirements and lower the tax burden.

If you want social programs, government and taxation isn’t the answer for funding. Lower taxes. Reduce regulations. Reduce the size and scope of government and bureaucrats. Make politicians part-time. Make the Al French politicians of this world disappear. Politicians use common sense in decision-making. Not pet social causes.

John Magnuson Jr.

Four Lakes, Wash.