LEVY: Voters deserve applause

After commenting for several years against the continual increases in our taxing districts, I can finally applaud the voters in the Northern Lakes Fire District for their resounding NO to the permanent levy increase. Although I was ineligible to vote, I am a property owner subjected to their taxes and have been for the past 22 years. So, were you able to see past the smoke screen they put up? Or are you just sick and tired of these outrageous requests?

I’ve watched their volunteers dwindle to virtually zilch employing full time benefited personnel, seen them “claw back” their 3 percent from prior years and envied their fancy rigs. Thanks to our state politicians they now are collecting impact fees from new construction. One of their commissioners has expressed interest in merging with Kootenai because current state law allows them to “step up” to whichever levy rate is higher. And I guarantee you Kootenai is SIGNIFICANTLY higher. How ‘bout the flier showing that old truck? Could it be that it doesn’t have air, cruise, tilt, iPod hookup and premium wheels? I wonder if we taxpayers paid for that flier?

Last week they announced that California has a $16 BILLION deficit. A perfect example of a state that gave away the store when the economy was booming with zero hope of ever taking it back. We must remain vigilant to insure we do not suffer the same fate and repeatedly say no. Seaside, Ore., and Moscow have 100 percent volunteer crews and the Moscow website touts saving taxpayers $4 million per year. Too bad we didn’t learn to be frugal like their commissioners. Think we’ll ever turn back the clock? Fat chance!

PETER WARD

Spirit Lake