How many times have we heard, “It’s only the price of a latte” by politicians trying to minimize the impact of tax increases on the citizens? Since the $6 a month increase will only be the cost of a single latte, it’s okay to forgo another latte to put it on the ballot whether it’s needed or not. There’re several problems. What will the money be used for? Will the cost remain the same? Will it increase my quality of life?
On what the money will be used for: The money goes into the general fund to be spent at the discretion of Kirkland Council. Councilmembers McBride and Hodgson have already said they will fund police, fire, and public works. It means the utility tax increase will be used for something other than essential services. McBride and Hodgson mislead the public as to the purpose of the tax increase. She said the council could not raise the private utility tax, giving the impression the city had no other choice. Not true. If approved, it will allow the council to divert funds that were used to pay for essential services to something else.
Will the cost remain the same? The increase is inflationary and will not remain the same. The added 1.5 percent to the already 6 percent applies to a variable cost of cable, phone, Internet, cell, satellite dish, and whatever else comes around the corner from Verizon, Comcast, and companies who want your business. Another latte will become two, then three, and it will never stop. Soon after the guaranteed cost you sign up for expires, the rate will increase dramatically. Just ask the citizens who use the utility they are paying for now.
Will it increase my quality of life? The increase is not needed. Using the city’s service matrix, the city could easily reduce its budget by $3.8 million dollars making the tax increase unnecessary. If the increase is approved, it will be a cost to citizens, not a benefit.
Council member Hodgson went a step farther and said that core services would be at stake if the public failed to approve the tax increase. Why believe someone who got us into this financial trouble in the first place? We don’t need more unwarranted scare tactics.
Robert L. Style, Kirkland
