Reading the News-Times from afar, I was quite amused to read the Feb. 6 letter by Mr. Hewitt blaming the local sales tax rate as a contributor to the closure of Oak Harbor Ford. As of January 2008, the rate in Oak Harbor is four-tenths of a penny higher than Anacortes, slightly less than Snohomish County and about a half penny less than King County.

It is nowhere near the “highest in the state.” Thus, on the purchase of a $25,000 automobile, the tax paid in Oak Harbor is $100 more than the same purchase in Anacortes or Burlington and about $50 less than one bought in Everett.

We are not going to speculate why people shop where they do. It’s a personal choice. We are saddened to see a major auto dealership leave Oak Harbor, but nationwide, the “Big Three” U.S. auto makers are closing and consolidating dealerships. It’s a sign of the times, especially for the Ford Motor Company, which wishes to eliminate nearly half of its dealerships.

Making an unsupported and emotional case that it’s due to taxes is pure horse-puckey.

Ardy and Al Fragola

Paros Island, Greece