To the editor:

Our family considers public transportation to be an essential service along with water, streets, police and firefighters, and as such we support (reluctantly) the sales taxes proposed to that end. It is unfortunate that our esteemed city leaders provide the seriously regressive sales tax as a take-it-or-leave-it option.

It would be much more fitting and realistic to support the public transport through taxes and fees on private transportation. To that end, ALL private vehicles using local streets should contribute. First of all, all student vehicles should be registered locally, thereby adding to the personal tax base. (Some students choose to vote here but have their cars registered “at home,” not locally!)

Secondly, all private vehicles should be required to display a city sticker or tag. Whether a flat fee is collected or a graduated one based on weight or value is not the point. Another option would be a local gasoline tax.

I realize taxes are not popular, but why should one pay a tax on groceries to support the T? In fact, basic grocery staples should not be taxed at all! Soft drinks, prepared food, dry cereal and the like are NOT staples.

Lawrence Bodle,
Lawrence