Cheers: To taxpayers. While it is unlikely that many people need a reminder, Friday marks the April 15 deadline for filing federal tax returns. And while it also is unlikely that many people will cheer their duty to pay taxes, the taxpayers themselves are deserving of kudos. For the 2015 tax year, Americans are paying about $3.3 trillion in federal taxes and roughly $1.6 billion in state and local taxes.
We certainly can argue about whether or not that is too much, but it is worth noting that taxes at one level or another pay for the nation’s security, for local safety, for roads and bridges, for social services, for parks, for the protection of air and water, to ensure clean food, etc. As former Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. wrote: “Taxes are what we pay for civilized society.” So, cheers to those who work and pay a portion of their salaries for the benefit of all.
Jeers: To state Sen. Don Benton. Despite his assertion that he can effectively serve as both a state senator and as director of Clark County Environmental Services, the Vancouver Republican missed 25 votes during this year’s legislative session.
That was the most missed votes, by far, among members of the Southwest Washington delegation. All six local members of the House of Representatives missed no votes during this year’s regular session and one overtime session. Benton has announced that he will not seek re-election this fall and, therefore, will not be returning to Olympia next year. The question: Will anybody notice that he’s not there?
Cheers: To the Vancouver waterfront. Plans for development along the Columbia River continue to take shape, leading to excitement about the possibilities. Most recently, it was revealed that Mark Matthias, owner of Beaches restaurant, has applied for a liquor license at the site of the former Red Lion at the Quay.
The area is part of Terminal One, owned by the Port of Vancouver, and is near a large development taking place at a former Boise Cascade industrial site. Development of the area will finally take advantage of Vancouver’s most notable asset — the Columbia River — and promises to help transform the city and the economy of Clark County.
Jeers: To Clark County and the Cowlitz Tribe. Thus far, there are no winners in ongoing spats regarding construction of a Cowlitz casino near La Center. Most recently, county officials threatened to arrest construction workers if they interfere with a county road while installing a stormwater line related to the casino. Tribal officials countered by accusing the county of bullying tactics.
The issue is complex, and still is being sorted out in federal court. But it is clear that both sides have demonstrated poor communication skills in a series of disputes that continue to ratchet up. For now, the best hope is that a court ruling will come sooner rather than later. Until then, both sides need to do a better job of listening to the concerns of the other.
Cheers: To civic engagement. The city of Vancouver has rolled out a new MyVancouver app to allow residents to better connect with their government. In the first phase, the app will allow citizens to submit service requests for items such as graffiti or potholes.
“We are always looking for ways to improve communication, customer service and make city government more accessible,” Mayor Tim Leavitt said. The most important aspect will be whether or not the app generates an effective response from city employees, but providing taxpayers with modern technology for contacting officials is certainly worth a try.
