Poll respondents against tax for county parks

A majority of respondents in an online Argus-Courier poll said that they would not vote for a countywide sales tax to support the Sonoma County Regional Parks system. After failing at the ballot in November, county officials have signaled an intention to try again to pass a park tax this year.

Here are some comments:

“Absolutely. Our county parks contribute to the health of our local communities and deserve our collective support.”

“I know many people in Petaluma use the no-charge parking entrance for Helen Putnam Park on Oxford Court. This is county park is a community benefit, even for those who do not use it. Healthy parks require care and tending, let’s provide for that.”

“It’s time that we stop using the pension problem as an excuse for opposing each proposal to better our community. Every county resident can, and should enjoy our amazing parks, so spreading the increase to every taxpayer makes this an equitable proposal, which I will support.”

“I would consider voting for the tax if all the county parks would no longer charge a day use fee after this tax is passed.”

“No more tax increases until the unsustainable salaries and pensions on county employees are corrected.”

“When does this madness end? One minute the media writes about the high cost of living here and how no can afford it. The next minute everyone wants to add more taxes. You can’t have both ways folks.”

“Please, no new taxes. Californians are already the among the highest taxed in the country, and pay some of the highest gasoline prices, not to mention the high cost-of-living in the Bay Area.”

“With more than half my income already taken away in taxes, fees, service charges etc., I am having a hard enough time taking care of my own family.”