They feel good now but will hurt later

Regarding Chris Dugovich’s Dec. 2 column, “Feel good tax cuts really hurt us all”:

This column well stated my own feelings about the long-term impact of the initiatives sponsored by Mr. Tim Eyman. Voter approval of Initiatives 695,722 and 747 and, next, 776 is providing the short term “feel good” solutions that eventually will certainly result in a lower quality of life for Washington residents.

These initiatives only serve to destroy the infrastructure that provides vital services that we all take for granted. Recent news reports point out the gross understaffing of our county sheriff’s office resulting in slow response to emergencies. Our judicial system is overloaded and unable to meet our needs. Our schools are overcrowded and understaffed. Reduced taxes will insure that these and other services critical to our safety and our future will continue to deteriorate as Washington becomes a second-class state caught in a downward spiral. Many companies will either follow Boeing and leave or not bother to even start their businesses in Washington.

Nevertheless, in the short term, the citizens will feel good and enjoy low local tax rates and the absence of state income tax as in 44 other states. Long term we will suffer greatly and have to pay an even higher price to restore our infrastructure and quality of life to Washington residents. Perhaps Mr. Eyman will be around then to sponsor some initiatives to help solve these problems for $90,000 each!

Bothell

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