I had to bite my lip as I voted to pass the .02 percent sales tax increase, and here is why. I have read that this sales tax increase is a “law and justice tax.” I understand the “law tax” piece of the issue, but I have yet to read or hear much about the “justice” piece. Why doesn’t the county go all out, and ask for .03? With the money that would generate, Snohomish County can have the social programs focusing on current social issues, and make the tax about justice as well.
How many old rape kits and DNA comparisons are sitting on ice until the county can afford to process them? There is very little justice for rape victims. Those that muster up the courage to report the crime then endure the rape kit procedure hope and pray that the kit will reveal the identity of their attacker and the justice system will do its job. Weeks, months, even years pass as their kit is moved further and further back by other cases with more political cache, or cases that sell more newspapers. Why is one crime victim more deserving of justice than any other? It’s impossible to know how many attacks could have been prevented if these kits were processed in a timely manner, but I’m pretty sure most sex offenders don’t stop until they are caught.
I don’t mind the increase in the sales tax, but let’s call it what it really is. It is a law enforcement and social welfare tax. I will gladly pay 3 cents for every $10 I spend, to buy some justice. I think it’s well worth the price.
Tracy Anderson
Snohomish
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