Letters and comments for February 22, 2011

Didn’t get message

To the Editor:

On Feb. 9, the La Grande City Council passed a proposal that would create a parks and recreation taxing district and would annex properties north of La Grande. The Observer incorrectly reported the vote as unanimous. The vote was actually 6-1, with Councilor Silas Kelty representing the lone “no” vote.

If passed by us voters, this proposal will raise not only La Grande residents’ taxes but many county residents who live outside La Grande’s city limits would see a tax increase. Apparently the majority of the council missed the message sent by La Grande voters when we overwhelmingly rejected the last tax increase the council passed. The majority of La Grande residents do not want to see our taxes raised.

While I am thankful that Councilor Kelty voted no, I am disappointed in the rest of the council’s desire to raise our taxes. With so many businesses shutting their doors or leaving town and residents struggling just to pay bills, now is not the time to raise taxes.

Jessica Elmer

La Grande