• Respect the laws and the land • Over budget, more taxes? • More on county spending, state tax system Respect the laws and the land Over the past few years, it’s become increasingly difficult to remain silent when it comes to the
• Respect the laws and the land • Over budget, more taxes? • More on county spending, state tax system
Respect the laws and the land
Over the past few years, it’s become increasingly difficult to remain silent when it comes to the “activists” who want to change Kauai. The latest “clean air” issue goes over the top.
Enough is enough!
I came to Kauai with the understanding that I had to abide by two simple rules: Respect the people and the land and don’t try to change a very unique and special way of life and existence.
I feel that if there are certain practices (or as some extremists may consider “issues”) on Kauai that predate the moment you even heard of this island existing, best leave it alone. Or better yet, move.
I’m sure most people won’t mind one less car on the road.
Damien Cwik
Kapaa
Over budget, more taxes?
“Government three-fourths parasitic and the rest stupid bumbling.” — Robert Heinlein.
Sunday morning articles show a local government with large budget shortfalls and commitments for substantial pay raises. The solution, once again, a temporary tax increase. How temporary? Decades or centuries?
The parasite eventually kills the “host.”
Suzanne Woodruff
Kapaa
More on county spending, state tax system
First, Kauai’s mayor in “Overextended” requests authorization for a 1 percent tax increase (call it whatever you like) to cover his inability to control county spending.
Bernard. Yes, sir, you!
Did you ask each department head for a proposal to improve the efficiency of their department by 1 percent?
If you had, no need for a 1 percent tax increase.
You would be revenue neutral.
That would be leadership. Tax increases — no leadership; drifting; especially if the money addicted County Council is allowed to decide how the extra revenue is to be spent.
Where is the proposal to reduce spending and allow each Kauai resident to keep more of their earnings? Hopeless!
Tom Yamachika’s “… progressive tax system…” article.
You have to appreciate the inequity of comparisons therein when percentages of income are discussed versus the amount of dollars paid in tax. Before any examples, let’s give a dollar example of a tax.
Ten percent of $100,00 is $10,000; 10 percent of $40,000 is $4,000. Are these the same amount? No.
Does the $100,000 individual get 250 percent more service from government? No.
Another example closer to home: in the grocery store, does the sales clerk inquire about your income that day, week or year to adjust the price of a head of lettuce? No. Each customer gets the same head of lettuce so the price is the same. None of us would expect anything different.
Frank Kelly
Koloa
