State Taxes and Budget Cuts

Does anyone see the hypocrisy here? Wilson says, “Read my lips: No taxes will be raised to get us out of this mess. But cities and counties, you’re on your own; the state taxes you hand over to me will not be distributed back to you. We’ll keep all your money here for the state, and for whatever local services you need, raise your own taxes. But I am not responsible for that. (Whew. Now they won’t think I raised taxes and they’ll think I was a good governor.)” I didn’t just fall off the truck, Gov. Wilson; a tax for necessary services is still a tax. If I have to pay more to get those services, I will, as with President Clinton’s plan, but at least he’s not trying to trick me, by abdicating responsibility! If there is a tax boycott, I am in full support.

JOANI WALKER

Berkeley