To the editor:

After wading past Mr. Stauffer’s inane letter concerning the virtues of government and the evils of business (Public Forum, July 13), I made it to Mr. Meyer’s comments. Is it possible that anyone reading his thoughts doesn’t understand them? Do people in government at all levels not understand the “taxed enough already” (TEA) movement? People have had enough.

But my question since the news broke of the desire of the county to increase the mill levy almost 17 percent is: Why? Why now? Are their visions for spending our money to be lost if not immediately implemented? Can we not wait until better times to “plant protective preservation into farm fields, historic sites, and other culturally sensitive areas,” whatever that is. Is now the perfect time to bankroll community objectives that have languished for lack of specific funding? I submit that the answer is “No.”

Economic development has been talked about for years, yet many people know full well Lawrence has not been a friendly place to do business. I’m sure that pleases Mr. Stauffer, but it has done little to improve our overall tax base. Credit for that can be laid at the city and county’s doorstep. So, now, when many of us are struggling to keep or find a job, maintain ownership of our homes, educate our children, etc., we face this, on top of increased water, sewer, trash rate increases.

I have to live on what I can earn; Douglas County, you do the same.