TAXES: Should pay for essentials

Why? Why doesn’t our tax money cover the essential needs as well as they do the nice to do projects? You ask, and you’re told “you don’t understand, that’s the way it is.” Playgrounds, etc., come before schools, fire and police. You bet I don’t understand.

What’s here is just a drop in the bucket compared to these other spendy items. However you cut it folks, it’s all tax money. Teachers say, although more money is needed for schools, this bond money hardly ever gets down to where the real need is. Where is trust, reliability and priority here? No, I certainly don’t understand.

A hardworking individual, trying to keep up with the rising cost of household needs, does not put buying luxury items at the top of their list. Should we expect any less of our elected officials? Don’t get me wrong here, I love my desserts too, but the meal has to come first.

Maybe it would be better if tax money trickled up instead of down if it can’t be handled any wiser than it appears to be now.

JERRY PETERSEN

Coeur d’Alene