Vote no on new taxes

“The 2008 Colorado College State of the Rockies Report Card” reported on housing affordability in the eight states and Bonner County (BC) is at the bottom in Idaho. The grade given BC was a D, the lowest possible. The study also states renters in BC  “lost” an average of $36 a month for a two-bedroom home and to afford housing here they would have to earn between $13-$15 an hour.

The past two months not only has LPOSD hammered us but others such as the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce. Colleen Spickelmire, chamber board president stated “we support the levy because we support businesses.” Amy Little, chamber executive director said “voters need to know that a yes vote for the levy not only supports businesses who need qualified employees today but also well-educated employees for the future.”

OK, Ms. Spickelmire/Ms. Little and business owners, will you be pay the $13-$15 an hour needed in order to afford rent rather than the federal minimum of $5.75 you pay; how hypocritical of these business groups. The school and hospital “levy/tax” will continue to increase housing costs. 

I'd like to see the schools in better shape, so here's a solution to the problem: Not one cent of state sales or income tax collected in BC is sent to Boise, we keep every cent and fix our schools. The state will say its illegal, but it's the state that's breaking the law and violating the Idaho's Constitution as ruled last year by the Idaho Supreme Court. Vote no on taxes.

THOMAS F. DICKSON

Sandpoint