Enough taxes?

To the editor:

Richard Heckler is back. This time it is new sidewalks, more bike paths and the T (Public Forum, May 19). Once again, these are worthy projects. The real question remains: Can we afford them?

Mr. Heckler wants more government expenditures to address real and perceived needs. Others, who have to live and work, feel pressured by the taxes needed to pay for a seemingly endless list. How much is enough? What portion of our hard-earned income does the government (all levels) have a right to claim? Is it 30 percent? Is it 50 percent? Add up your total tax outlays; is that enough?

Have we reached the point where we have fully exploited the property tax, the source of almost all of our local generosity? Are we already taking all that can be reasonably expected? If this is not enough, could it be time to draw back on what government does – or at least do a better job of setting priorities?

The argument put forth by Mr. Heckler in the past that this group or that group does not pay enough property tax is fundamentally incorrect (love to debate this) and totally misses the point. We will likely never be able to do all that we would like! The basic issue remains: How much tax is enough?

George Lippencott,

Lawrence