Like the writer of the letter, “Tax assessment way out of whack”, we also are appalled at the rate of increases in our property values. The rate of increase for us this year was 27 percent. This, coupled with the 16 percent increase last year, and the 29 percent two years ago is a bitter pill to swallow. The assessor is correct by law in their opinion no matter what. They can place value on the highest and best use of your property. That opinion is very difficult to challenge and I have tried in the past.

Perhaps it is time to cut the size and cost of government at all levels. We have voted in every election for over 50 years. For the most part conservative Democrats have been our choice with a few liberal Republicans mixed in. It is too early to join the tea party but some of their thoughts on reducing the size, powers and cost of government should be heard.

Our elected leaders should be ashamed of themselves for pressuring Boeing employees to accept a sub-par contract while giving more corporate tax breaks.

The plans for the new courthouse should be shelved as the last bite they took from us pays for about 50 percent. As a property owner, I can say enough is enough. The council is guilty of legalized robbery for what they are doing in condemning property for the project.

The powers of the assessor and council are too much. It is time to reduce the size and cost of government at all levels and get future funding as needed by closing corporate loop holes and taxing the wealthy even if their funds are stashed offshore. Let’s cut the size and cost of government at all levels and obtain needed future funding by closing corporate loopholes and taxing the 1 percent their fair share.

Mike and Sharon Pendergrass

Lynnwood