Spending reform needed

Recently, my neighbor, who is a senior in high school, asked me for help with a homework assignment in which she had to draw some political cartoons. I drew one as an example. She thought it was funny. I don't!

Prior to the November election, some commissioner candidates were interviewed on the radio. Their response to caller concerns over rising property taxes displayed a shocking lack of understanding about what causes property taxes to rise. Taxes go up because government spending goes up, not because property values go up! The candidates tried to pass the buck by supporting tax reform in Boise. We don't need tax reform. We need spending reform. Based on the figures I've seen. County spending has gone up at more than twice the rate of population growth and inflation. The recent explosion in property values shouldn't result in a windfall of revenue. If the commissioners control spending and cut the mill rate, increased property values will not result in increased taxes!.

L. GOODNESS

Sandpoint