This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Concerning the proposed $31 million tax hike for Salt Lake County, Sheriff Jim Winder pledged, "I will stand with you, as I have with the mayor and his staff, to support what is tragic but necessary revenue for this county" ("Salt Lake County officials unanimously support tax hike," Tribune, Nov. 14).
Since when has a tax hike become "tragic"? It is time to change our perspective.
The leaders of Salt Lake County have done an admirable job for four years keeping our costs down, finding savings and trimming budgets. New revenues are needed to help create the community in which we all want to live.
Every child deserves a chance to learn to read, write and do their arithmetic. Actually, they don't simply deserve a chance, they need to learn these things. Every child deserves a safe, secure, clean environment in which to live and grow. And a community with abundant opportunities.
To our County Council members: Vote yes, and move on. Let's get on to the work of making Salt Lake County the community in which we all want to live.
Brian Ruggles
Salt Lake City