On Aug. 3, voters are being asked to approve another tax, this one to subsidize Blaine Manor. Voters should say "no" to this new tax.
During the last few years, all of us have been negatively affected by the recession. Everyone's net worth has taken a substantial hit. Companies have laid off many employees. Many of those that still have jobs have had their wages frozen or taken sizable cuts in their hourly wage. During this period, our local governments have raised taxes and given raises to municipal employees.
On top of this, we have been hit with several special levys. First, there was $2-3 million to save our open space. This in a state with nothing but open space. Then our school district asked for around $60 million to fund .... well, they really didn't know exactly what. Immediately after that levy passed, the school administration couldn't even wait until the money started to roll in, but got approval to borrow against future tax payments to fund a multimillion dollar geothermal heating system for the schools. Now there's a project vital to enhancing the education of our young people.
And now the county wants us to approve a $1.9 million levy over two years to subsidize 25 private citizens who reside at Blaine Manor.
County funding of a facility like Blaine Manor is an unusual and somewhat questionable use of taxpayer money. If, however, they still feel that funding should continue, then exert a little fiscal discipline and reallocate funds from other areas to meet the needs of Blaine Manor. If it is not a high priority, then stop the funding and let Blaine Manor find the money elsewhere or begin the process of shutting down the facility.
It's time for the taxpayers to say "no mas" to new taxes. Shut off the money tap and make our local governments live with what they have. Vote "no" on the Blaine Manor levy.
Crispin Thiessen
Sun Valley