Poll respondents reject sales tax proposal

A majority of respondents in an online Argus-Courier poll were against a three-quarter-cent, 20-year sales tax increase to pay for street repairs and build the Rainier Avenue extension.

About 70 percent said they were against the proposal, while 30 percent say they were for it.

Here are some of the comments:

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“Absolutely. Build the Rainier extension now. Anyone who says there isn’t a problem with Washington Street traffic hasn’t been driving on it. We could hardly wait for the new shopping center on the Kenilworth site to be built. Now we won’t shop there because of the Washington Street ‘blockade.’ Businesses on both sides of the freeway are losing out. If it is the intention of the anti-Rainier extension folks on the west side to drive shoppers out of town, it’s working.”

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“Absolutely not. No more sales tax increases. Is there any wonder why internet sales are growing steadily like they are? It is due to reduced or eliminated sales taxes from those purchases. Besides, the proof is there for anyone who cares to look for it that, if built, a Rainier crosstown Connector would actually increase traffic congestion drastically. And as for street repairs, the road tax on gasoline sales needs to be increased and we need to elect politicians who won’t let that money continue to go to Los Angeles.”

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“As it is being described, the sales tax is left open to pay for other items as well, like new police and fire stations.”

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“I don’t understand how Rainier has overwhelming support and Mayor David Glass, who opposes Rainier at every opportunity, gets elected.”

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“Everybody wants enhanced services and better infrastructure, but nobody wants to pay for it. Grow up.”

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“Government has no incentive to save money. There is extra money there but they will not stop or cut back some other program. That is the democratic way. I will not vote to give more. Asking will never stop.”

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“Taxes are the price we pay for living in a communal society. The resulting infrastructure is what creates and sustains long-term growth and jobs. Small price to pay for long-term benefits. I fully support this.”

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“How many times has the city asked us for more sales tax money for roads? I already pay enough property taxes. Get your acts together and find another funding source. Rainier will never be built anyway”

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“I don’t support any new taxes.”

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“I don’t trust the politicians. They will divert the money to pensions and healthcare.”

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“Yes, if it’s written specifically for this purpose.”

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“Yes if it’s only for roads and Rainier. No if any add-ons such as fire houses and police cars.”