The news events of Nov. 29 are filled with issues facing us all … 1 percent or 99 percent.

Cases in point were the labor contract cited in “Union ratifies new labor contract with city of Vancouver,” and the property tax proposed, “Vancouver city council moves to boost tax by 1%.” Both stories on Page C1 involve the city of Vancouver.

So, the 131-member Office of Professional Employees International Union negotiated (with your money) in part a $1,000 per full-time employee payment to be paid by year’s end with built-in increases for 2012 and 2013. At the same time, while 9 percent unemployment and economic uncertainty exists, the city proposes a 1 percent property tax increase for those within the city limits. As I see it, city government negotiates public benefits and then turns around, passing revenue increases to all of those thousands living in the city limits. I realize that the 1 percent property tax may not have any relationship to the wage increases, however, if you notice when the misery is spread to all, only the 99 percent suffer.

It is spending, not revenue, that is the problem. The story further said there is better news ahead … talks remain open with other union groups as well.

Art Liss

Camas

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