Increase efficiency
The County Council deserves a big “YEAH” for using commonsense in defeating the general excise tax surcharge.
According to the Tribune-Herald, there is still one more chance for them to pass this thing. They will never give up in finding ways to attempt to increase our taxes.
The proponents are already talking about services. I see no talking about increasing efficiency.
Reducing the number of employees, reducing duplicity — and here is one — checking on large agricultural property owners who pay $50 in property taxes, when they neither have animals nor grow crops.
Since the county depends on property taxes, that aspect should be examined.
Bob Dukat
Pahoa
A big mess
What is patriotism? What is patriotic behavior? What is protest?
The Boston Tea Party was a protest that led to the revolution that founded our nation. Its leaders were treasonous in the eyes of the Crown.
Many of us went to work as others go to protest; not all protesters are financially secure or have sponsors who finance them. Some truly believe, and don’t forget that there are protesters on both sides, and soldiers are risking their lives for the right and freedom to protest so our work is safe.
Corporations and capitalists used to fund private armies who would kill striking workers (without legal retribution), men like our dads.
There is too much partisan bickering in all media. We have far more in common that we all should be focused on.
It took both political parties to create this mess, by selling their influence and not upholding their oath.
Get corporate money out of politics!
John Begg
Pahoa