Editor,

When fiscal times get tough, many of our government representatives choose to cut vital services such as fire and law enforcement.

God forbid we should cut so-called social services or free bus services.

Why not spread the financial support burden among all residents of Island County instead of always targeting homeowners through property taxes. All people in the county benefit from law and fire protection services, ergo all people should bear the costs of these vital services.

One way to accomplish this “fair share” support is through a sales tax rather than putting it all on property taxes.

As for the proposed tax, I would vote for it only under two conditions:

• Funds currently spent by the county for law and justice services shall not be reduced in any way.

• Taxes raised via the new levy shall be used exclusively for law enforcement and cannot be used by the county government for any other purpose.

That would keep the county from using the levy as an excuse to shift general funds currently going to law and justice to other purposes.

The price of citizenship should be paid by all citizens, not just those deemed by the government as “able” to pay — sounds like socialism to me.

Too bad this isn’t done by the federal government where almost half the population pay no income taxes and thus avoid the onus of responsible citizenship. This group is getting a free ride paid for by the taxpayers.

Joe Kirschbaum

Oak Harbor