Friday, I received a flyer titled, “Everett Public Schools, Temporary Supplement Levy Information.” This levy is supposed to be voted on Aug. 17.
I couldn’t believe what I was reading. With the downturn in the nation’s economy and the 2.5 million people out of work here in this state, they have the audacity to want to impose a four-year temporary (permanent?) levy on the middle class of an additional 4 percent. Of course, they say that’s only $84 on a $300,000 house. They don’t have any idea where the taxpayers who are headed for foreclosure, or those already in it, will or could get that money. They sound like someone who was brought up with a silver spoon in their mouth and absolutely no concept of the real world or living within their means.
The saddest part of this whole charade is the purposed use of the money. 1. Programs to increase graduation rate. 2. Textbooks and classroom materials. 3. Funding for more challenging courses for students. And 4. (best one of all) competitive salaries for educational staff. They think we, the taxpayers, can’t see through this smoke screen?
It was only a couple months ago that the city put through a new levy for emergency medical services that amounted to roughly $65 a year. Doesn’t sound like much, does it? Then, the utility companies got raises and sales taxes were increased and when you total it, you’re pushing the cost of living in this state out of reach and placing the property tax to an unpayable level.
I believe that the kids should get the best education this country has to offer, but pay raises for those who aren’t doing their job now won’t help. Why can’t the raises wait until 2014 or 2015, when the economy is back on track?
Hilra Nelson
Everett
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