Borough sales tax has no chance

The borough assembly has to be delusional to think a boroughwide sales tax has any chance of passing by a vote of the people. It will fail on so many levels.

Let’s count them.

1. Although the Valley seems to be less burdened by a poor national economy than many other places in the Lower 48, these are still hard times for Alaskans. Asking people at this time to give more out of their paychecks — if they’re getting one — is irresponsible. Granted, there’s no good time to ask residents to wring more blood out of their turnip, but the timing on this vote couldn’t be worse.

2. As proposed, it does nothing to level the playing field from the perspective of city officials. Houston, Wasilla and Palmer already have sales taxes from 2 percent to 3 percent. Businesses outside city limits have no tax. So, in Houston’s case, it’s 2 percent tax will be 5 percent. Palmer’s will be 6 percent. Business owners a mile away from each would have different taxes on their goods. Tom’s Tires on Equestrian Street could sell a tire for less than Bill’s Tires in Palmer. That’s patently unfair. To make it fair, every business would have the same tax. Palmer already has a 3 percent tax. So that should remain. Houston’s tax would go up 1 percent and Wasilla’s tax hike would be .5 percent.

Yes, the tax rates now are unfair, but at least we’re used to that, but jacking up the rates even more will not fly with people who live within city limits.

3. It won’t fly with people who don’t live in one of the cities. They only pay taxes when they shop in Palmer or Wasilla or Houston. Why would they agree to pay taxes at Bill’s Tires when they get the same tire at Tom’s for less?

4. People who live in one of three towns can see benefits from the taxes they pay: Police, paved streets, sewer and water, snow removal, parks, airports, ballfields and many other things. People who don’t live in those towns can use those facilities and enjoy the safety of a police department and don’t have to pay a dime toward the bills. They are protected by the state troopers and that doesn’t come from taxes because there is no state tax. Even if there was a state tax, people in Houston would help pay just like people in Meadow Lakes.

5. People are becoming more suspect of government. They are tired of not having their voices heard. When the assembly, the school district and city councils start listening more, they may regain some voter confidence. Until then, trying to get a sales tax passed is a waste of money.

The assembly will discuss the proposed tax tonight, starting at 6 p.m.