I read with interest, the last paragraph on the article “School could get millions,” in the Oct. 23 Whidbey News-Times. Why is there no advertising on this Initiative I-844, which would increase the sales tax if passed? All you see in the way of adds is mud slinging, by almost all of the politicians against their opponents.

The last paragraph states that Congress approved a bill allowing Washington residents to deduct sales tax payments from federal income tax, providing the President signs the bill. If I understand this correctly, it means that low-income individuals like me, who do not have to file income tax, would not have this privilege. Here again, the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. If I misunderstand this initiative, someone please correct me.

And by the way, it sounds like juvenile offenders will have one swell place to reside while awaiting trial. Is it really necessary for them to have lounges (plural) with television sets (plural) and an indoor recreation facility?

Gerry Bullard

Oak Harbor