KTEC: Now is not the time

Now that we have heard the political side of the issue, let's try to get the whole story on this KTEC project. OK, the land was donated. It's not going anywhere. It will still be there five or 10 years from now. Sure, the state is going to fund some expenses like they do for the rest of the schools, but keep in mind that most of the budget goes to wages and benefits. They are talking about half-day classes at KTEC, which means the busses will be running a lot more, consequently more transportation expenses. Remember the Coeur d'Alene school district's multi-million dollar levy a couple of years ago? Where did all of that go? After that passed, the pay and benefits in the school district were cut anyway.

The NO (GOP) party is so worried about President Obama raising taxes, but so far he's extended unemployment benefits and plans to let Bush's tax exemption for the wealthy expire, which is hardly complaint material. By the way, Jimmy Pappas, great "MY TURN" article.

It seems to us that the NO party in power in the state is doing just fine taxing us locally. Every time we watch the news or read the newspaper, it's a raise in taxes or rates going into effect. House values are going down, but the property taxes aren't being assessed at the lower value. Avista, who made millions in profits this year is asking for a raise in rates. Coeur d'Alene wants to raise taxes. Post Falls is raising water and sewer rates. The college just raised taxes 3 percent. Did the president of the college need a pay raise? Rathdrum voting to raise property taxes. There is talk about the state raising the gas tax or raising vehicle registration fees. Oh, and don't forget about the jail issue. We can complain about these things, but are generally helpless to do anything about it.

One thing we can do is VOTE on Aug. 24. Now is not the time for taking on any more taxes and expenses. Idaho's unemployment rate is approaching 9 percent, and having KTEC training is not going to help if there are no jobs. Vote NO on the KTEC measure on Aug. 24.

DAN and FIONA GRESSLER

Rathdrum