Property taxes
Recall all the commissioners
Dear Editor:
Before John Dean was elected as Island County Commissioner, my property taxes were half what they are today and the county was economically sound, with surpluses for emergencies.
Today, my property values keep dropping yet my taxes went up almost 9 percent this year.
Now they want to raise the lid on property taxes to cover their lack of fiscal responsibility with our tax dollars.
No matter how much money you give them, they will just spend it and want more.
The sheriff says they are cutting his budget to dangerous levels where safety is an issue.
However, they have hoards to protect the wetlands, tidelands and wildlife, protecting their version of the environment, forcing taxpayers to live in fear of not only their personal safety but for what toad or lizard that they might consider endangered might crawl onto a home site, leaving the property worthless and suitable only for wildlife habitat for the toad or lizard.
They have demonstrated their lack of concern for the taxpayer.
When a group of elected officials leave the taxpayer in fear of their personal and economic safety while leading the county down the road to bankruptcy, they must be replaced.
The election of Kelly Emerson as county commissioner is an essential start, but we need to recall the remaining commissioners before the county is beyond economic recovery.
Dale R. Smith Camano Island
