In response to Jeff Jared’s recent column on 520 tolling. Mr. Jared, are there any taxes that we should pay? Are there any benefits from paying the gas tax other than replacing the 520 floating bridge? Taxes are not popular but they are necessary and many of us believe that there is a benefit for us all to pay our share. Mr. Jared has a complaint every week on every subject imaginable but I guess that is what a fiscal conservative does. He likes the idea of paying a toll on 520 to get across the lake but has to turn it into a complaint about gas taxes. Nice attempt to start the conversation with a positive statement but then you failed to hold it. Mr. Jared, we pay the gas tax for many other projects other than replacing the 520. I am sure you use many of these road improvements often. Be thankful for these uses for your gas tax or quit driving.

Fiscal conservatives, find some happiness in something your government provides and cherish this thought. Nurture the concept of a government that helps us all. Be thankful for the good things this country and our government provide. Quit complaining so much and find your peace. We are a strong country, a beautiful and efficient state, a prosperous city. I am thankful for all these things due mostly to how well our government does run. Let’s quit complaining and make every effort to contribute positive ideas and embrace decisions once they are made. Pay your taxes for the opportunity to be a citizen of this country, state, county, and beautiful city. Pay a little more as you go over that bridge with your toll and gas tax combined and you will make me happy.

Mike Jeffers