Can't Taxes Be Raised In A Way That Won't Destroy The Metolius? - Katherine Livingston, Camp Sherman

Dear Senator [Metsger]:

We all know that Jefferson County needs funds to carry out its obligations to all the citizens for which it is responsible. The question is "what will be the source of those funds?"

The County Commissioners have concluded that large destination resorts in the Metolius River Basin is the answer.

A large segment of the population ,who comprise not only the residents of Camp Sherman but a multitude of out of state vacationers as well, have concluded that that is not the answer.

Their reasons have been presented to the members of the Committee on General Government and Education in great detail. Mine have been submitted in writing at the first hearing of SB30, as well as phone calls previous to the hearing.

Now I think it is time to move the debate to the basic problem--taxes for Jefferson County that can be raised in a way that won't destroy the Metolius River Basin.

Why not have a county lottery to raise money for county services? That method of raising taxes has proved to be both popular and successful in other realms of government.

I urge you to put your mind to alternatives to destination resorts in the Metolius Basin. Let us be creative rather than destructive in solving our County's tax problem.

Very truly yours,

Katherine S. Livingston
Camp Sherman, Oregon