To the editor:

I would like to voice my opinion regarding the proposed tax increase from both the county and school board. To raise our taxes and to do so in such an extreme manner is absolutely ridiculous. Very, very few people can afford this increase. I can only guess that if this was put to a vote of the citizens of Lawrence, it would fail miserably.

It seems very odd to me that three people can determine the fate of Lawrence. If you think that this will be a hard, but adjustable, change, then you are wrong. This will put a lot of people in a much bigger financial bind and potentially put some businesses out of business.

I assume that not a single one of you are currently making payroll from your own pocket. You would know in this economy that there is no extra money to spend. I can’t charge my customers more for repairs or raise my prices for other goods. As a local business owner, if I don’t have the business to support my expenses, then I am responsible for cutting back, eliminating positions or not paying myself.

Have you been asleep for the last three years? These people aren’t losing their homes, jobs and businesses because they are bored with their current life. It’s because they are in financial distress!

I hope the courthouse steps are cut from high quality limestone because over the next couple of years, they are going to get a lot of use for tax sales!

Micah Garber,

Garber Automotive, Lawrence