Regarding the June 19 letter about Initiative 960, “The only way to stop arrogant legislators”:
The writer says the tax and spend liberal Democratic Legislature and governor caused his two neighbors to move to another state due to runaway state (property) taxes.
The truth is owed to the public about the letter writer’s views as well as his neighbors understanding. Such false blaming statements are certainly freedom of speech, though it might confuse the public, create destructive partisan political views, be harmful to cooperative community harmony, and hamper the democratic process of representatives in any political party to properly meet the needs of the public.
Snohomish County Assessor Cindy Portmann was quoted about changes in property taxes:
“The taxes each property owner will owe next year are determined by the taxes levied by each individual taxing district, and by voter-approved measures.”
Also playing a role in the amount of an individual’s property taxes is the county taxing district budget and proposed levy amounts determined by the county. With regard to tax money for schools, the Stanwood-Camano School District executive director, Gary Platt, explains about school related taxes: “We can collect only what the voters approve.”
This clearly explains to letter writer and his neighbors as well, that county budgets, county voter approved tax measures, and to a degree, rising property value appraisals, is the reason the neighbors moved. It is not the fault of “Queen Gregoire and Company.”
Instead of blaming a political party or its representatives, why not understand the truth of the situation? And if necessary, take action properly with a base of correct understanding.
Norm Kosky
Camano Island
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