TAXES: Elected officials, pay heed

Coeur d'Alene City Council - Deanna Goodlander, John Bruning, Ron Edinger, Mike Kennedy, Al Hassell, Woody McEvers and Mayor Sandi Bloem: You want to raise our property taxes by increasing the budget for salaries and a "couple of situations." That's like putting out a fire with gasoline.

North Idaho College - Judy Meyer, Christie Wood, Mic Armon, Ron Vieselmeyer, Rolly Williams and President Priscilla Bell are raising their budget by 3 percent.

What bubble are you living in?

Hundreds and hundreds of houses have foreclosed in Kootenai County, many are in foreclosure, and many will be in foreclosure soon. As our elected officials you should not be raising any taxes, wages are decreasing, real estate and stock market has plunged, and unemployment is increasing.

You have been voted in your positions to be good stewards of our money, you have lost your way and we the citizens of Kootenai County and the city of Coeur d'Alene need you to change your decision.

Please cut your spending, remember to who you are responsible, we the people.

The Idaho Legislature had to cut the salaries of state employees. FOLLOW THEIR EXAMPLE. The State Legislature knows they must balance the budget, easy for them? NO, but fiscally responsible.

Please follow suit, do not raise our taxes. It is sad when our community leaders are not participating in the financial hurt. Don't break our backs.

SHARON CULBRETH

Coeur d'Alene