Poll respondents against county parks tax

A majority of respondents to a recent Argus-Courier online poll said they would not vote for a half-cent sales tax increase to fund Sonoma County Regional Parks.|

A majority of respondents to a recent Argus-Courier online poll said they would not vote for a half-cent sales tax increase to fund Sonoma County Regional Parks. About three quarters of respondents said they are against the sales tax increase, while a quarter said they would vote for it on the November ballot.

Here are some comments:

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“Do people not realize that all these half-cent taxes all add up to real money? I’ll be a ‘no’ vote. ”

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“I’ll support this as long as the money has to go to the parks and not pensions.”

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“I’m happy to pay a day use fee for parks when I want to use them, rather than paying more in taxes when I’m not using them. We are already nickelled and dimed as it is.”

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“I have mixed feelings about voting for a tax increase when the county pension system is taking larger and larger amounts of our tax money and nothing is being corrected with that.”

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“In my opinion, parks are extremely important to healthy and vibrant communities, but it is very difficult to support a sales tax increase when there are so many other equally important investments and improvements required countywide, including roads, water/sewer infrastructure and public safety. I always vote to support tax increases, but this one might not get my support.”

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“More than half my income is taken in taxes, fees, levies and service charges already. I can’t pay any more and still take care of my family and hope to get my kids through college. Please stop with more taxes.”

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“Sales taxes hit hardest those who have the least to spare. How about supporting our parks with a tax increase on commercial wineries that pollute our county with toxic chemicals?”

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“We need to fix roads first.”

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“When the elected officials start spending our money according to the wishes of the people they represent, then I may consider giving them more of my hard earned cash. But as long as they continue to ignore the stated wishes of the voters, I will not give them another dime.”

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“When will they get it? Budget and live within their means and not keep demanding evermore money from the taxpayer.”

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