Tax hike shifts onus to taxpayer
I heartily agree with The Columbian on the Dec. 13 editorial, “Avoiding the pain.” Clark County commissioners talk of the agonizing choices they must make (woe is us) then go ahead and raise taxes anyway to shift the woe to the taxpayers. This is the common chant we hear from politicians on all levels. I plan to keep in mind this 1 percent increase in the general-fund levy, and the commissioners’ refusal to clamp down on their own expense accounts when future elections occur.
It is unfortunate that editorials do not reflect the same degree of angst with many of the Washington state, and federal level, politicians who are doing the same kinds of things, on a larger scale that our county commissioners are doing.
Dick Fuller
Vancouver
Increase is necessary
I was surprised when I read the Dec. 13 editorial, “Avoiding the Pain,” deriding our Clark County commissioners for expressing their pain in voting to increase by 1 percent the county’s general-fund levy. Apparently whoever wrote the editorial has little comprehension of the idea of community. A little pain from many is better than extreme pain for some.
The 1 percent levy increase on those of us who own property will be felt very little if at all. Our properties have been devalued by the county in the last few years, which means we are paying less in tax. Those services that the county provides are important to all of us and are critical to some.
I would like The Columbian staff to tell us what services they would cut that would make up the shortfall. Instead of criticizing, The Columbian should have praised our commissioners for their courage to do the right thing.
Dale McLain
Vancouver
Five would make a better commission
Increasing to five commissioners for the Port of Vancouver sounds like a good idea to me. I think the Dec. 11 story, “Port official proposes commission of 5,” overstated the costs of having the extra two commissioners and ignored the benefits for the general public, mainly better oversight of Port of Vancouver plans. For example, does the port really need to supply health insurance to commissioners who aren’t full-time workers? Also, a cap can be put on travel expenses for the entire board. Just because there will be more commissioners does not mean extra people need to attend various port-related events.
While some extra support costs can be expected for two new commissioners, adding extra names on an e-mail distribution list should not swamp the port budget or require increased taxes.
Let’s get moving on this proposal.
Ralph C. Edwards
Vancouver
Market enough profit to share
I would like to add to Ed Castellani’s suggested alternative names for Vancouver in his Nov. 29 letter, “Changing name? Get real creative.” How about Walmart Hollow? Three existing Walmarts, with a fourth proposed in Salmon Creek and one “coming soon” in Orchards in a city this size is ludicrous.
There are merchants such as Carrie Schulstad, who is banding together with other merchants to co-market the Camas downtown core with a First Friday promotion where all can profit. Then there is Anna Taylor, spokeswoman for the Walmart chain, citing its huge buying power and informing us: “We believe no other retailer is better positioned to succeed this holiday.” (Nov. 29, “Shopping liable to drop.”) When a merchant prices numerous items to match those of a variety of other merchants’ sales, the objective is to create one-stop shopping, and shut out the other retailers. Good-bye G.I. Joe’s, K-Mart, and who knows how many smaller establishments. Any connection?
Lorain Bowers
Vancouver
Reconcile volume to distance for cars
I find it interesting that law enforcement officials think cars should be separated from 1.5 to 4 seconds on the freeway, when at the same time state and federal highway engineers define a full lane of freeway traffic as 3,600 vehicles per hour. Since the engineering definition equates to a 1 second interval measured front bumper to front bumper (a gap of three to four car lengths at 60 mph), either the engineers are designing our freeways as very unsafe, or law enforcement is being too picky.
I have suggested to reporters that they investigate this issue further, but all that seems to happen is more stories (Dec. 6 “Too close for comfort: Police in Vancouver have a new weapon in fight against tailgating,” and editorials, Dec. 14 “Back Off! Tailgaters, beware”) about following too close with no reference to freeway design. Someone needs to get the law enforcement and highway engineering people together in the same room and let them pound out an agreement of what the proper maximum freeway design traffic volumes and minimum safe following intervals really are. If both very different definitions are embodied in state law or regulations, then maybe the Legislature needs to enact a reconciliation of the two.
Meanwhile, maybe the freeway design definition can be used as a defense for a tailgating citation.
Dave R. Cannard
Vancouver
There are many blessings to count
Recently I visited my 52-year-old friend who has been in a nursing home since 1999. He cannot get out of bed. He’s put in his wheelchair occasionally. He had no Thanksgiving dinner. His list of meds is very long. He worked as a registered nurse until 1997 when he started down this road.
During our visit he chatted about the grandson his son and daughter-in-law in Kansas are expecting, and told about the calls from them for Thanksgiving. He also got a call from his daughter and family, who live on the East Coast.
His mom stopped by to visit, as did his sister and her friend. He said, “Wow, I have so much to be thankful for. I have kids and grandkids. Some people don’t even have any children. Every day I count my blessings.”
I thought, “My God, I thought I had problems.” Obviously all I have are opportunities.
I saw a sign recently that said, “The richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.” Thank God for our blessings.
Jerry Ross
Kalama
More independent thinking needed
Sen. Joe Lieberman, Connecticut independent, single-handedly took down the debate of expanding Medicare. I’ve advocated for some time that what we need is 10 independent senators who care more about the folks than their re-election. They would form a nonpartisan voting bloc that would do what is right. Partisans would have to turn to them in order to pass legislation. Without that I don’t see any hope for change.
Vern Schanilec
Washougal
