Letters to the Editor for Tuesday — April 20, 2004

• Abortion response

• Taxpayer revolt

Abortion response

If Pastor Chris Metcalf would spend half as much time and energy supporting progressive reproductive health care as he does pontificating about abortion, maybe he could do something really productive and help reduce the high number of unplanned unwanted pregnancies here on Kaua‘i.

With one of the statistically highest rates of teen pregnancy in the state and in the nation, this community has a social and economic interest in reducing them. I challenge Pastor Metcalf to use his voice in support of island-wide access to reproductive health care education programs and services, which might bring this island’s standards of care up to those of the rest of the country.

How about it, Pastor Metcalf? Let’s work to prevent and reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies with comprehensive proactive education and accessible services. The community is looking for leaders who want to solve the real problems. Unless you’re prepared to do something positive, Pastor Metcalf, spare us your lectures.

Geri Gallagher

Kapa‘a

Taxpayer revolt

Mayor Baptiste is to be commended for not recommending a 5% pay increase to 427 county employees (TGI 4/12). Any increase should not be higher than the national rate of inflation.

Basing an increase on fire and police raises is not just. After all, white collar workers are not called upon to sacrifice their lives if necessary in performing their duties. And how many school teachers are paid $93,000 after years of training and working all day under stressful situations and the need for constant attention?

In addition to the increase in wages the county employees want to double their days off to 48 per year, in addition to federal, Hawaiian and Christian holidays. That could mean they will work only three weeks out of a month. Pay increases also increase pension and benefit costs.

All of this will require continual increases in property taxes. With assessments skyrocketing and no legal limit to the tax rate, the burden is growing beyond the abilities of many homeowners. The property tax commission has suggested a top annual tax increase of 6%. But compounded over ten years that amounts to a 76% increase.

Most retirees on fixed incomes are not receiving more than 2% increases. And what average worker can expect their employer to give them a 6% increase every year and 48 days off? After paying higher taxes there will be less money to spend and businesses will be affected and unemployment will rise and some will be forced to leave the island, leaving only the millionaires behind.

All of this can only lead to a taxpayer revolt. Today’s decisions will be with us into the future.

Frederick Wells

Kapa‘a