Viewpoints
Invest in the heart of the
community
by Patrick Branco
June 04, 2004
Friday
Let's be clear about one fact first - I am no friend of tax increases.
Now that I have made that statement, I want to advocate for the
full funding of non-profits in our community. There is one critical
flaw in Mr. Warner's comments and that is the fact that when
large groups of "special interests" stand up and speak,
they are speaking for our community. They are voters and represent
the wishes of the people. They have such deep convictions in
what they believe that they take the time to tell our elected
officials in person. In addition, they have stated loudly that
they are willing to pay for the benefits that come with living
in a great community like Ketchikan. These programs they advocate
would not exist without the help offered by Assembly. As an employer
in this community it is critical that we offer a breadth and
depth of services, programs, cultural activities, and recreational
in order to attract new employees and their families to this
community.
When we eliminate programs, we eliminate the spirit, and when
we eliminate the spirit we lose the parts of Ketchikan that make
this an attractive place to live. It's like eliminating the rain!
Not everyone in the community uses every one of the services
or activities embodied by the non-profits but many people take
advantage of some.
It is my personal opinion that you cannot cut your way to prosperity.
You must invest in the heart of the community. Business will
prosper, we will attract new residents and businesses, and we
will provide a community in which young and old have activities
and programs that enrich the lives of all of us directly or indirectly.
I, for one, am willing to pay for the privilege of living in
this community. Mr. Landis and the rest of the Assembly have
my support to increase my property taxes as a direct payment
for the services I enjoy.
Thank you!
Patrick Branco
Ketchikan, AK - USA
Related Viewpoint:
Open Letter: Borough Budget and Taxes by Robert D. Warner - Ketchikan, AK
Note: Comments published
on Viewpoints are the opinions of the writer
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sitnews.
Post a Comment -------View Comments
Submit an Opinion - Letter
Sitnews
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska
|