A reality check on local option tax

Frequent letter writer Phil Poutré suggests shopping in Coeur d’Alene may be necessary if the local option tax is passed. Oh come on, Mr. Poutré, do a little simple arithmetic, OK?

Driving to Coeur d’Alene or Hayden from Sandpoint is a round trip of about 80 miles or so. If you drive nice new eco-friendly hybrid with 40 miles per gallon you will use about $7 in fuel — many of us would use $10 or more in our older rigs.

At one-half percent tax, you would have to buy $1,400 to $2,000 in taxable merchandise to save any money. I don’t buy that much every week, do you? Go ahead and waste your money; I plan to support local communities, businesses and shops. That tax won’t hurt a bit.

JOHN BAGWELL JR.

Sandpoint