Asking someone if they like taxes is like asking them if they like spending money on groceries. Do I like to spend money on groceries? Not especially, but I also need to eat food in order to not die so I suck it up and budget accordingly. Likewise, I don’t like paying my electric bill, but I like having electricity so I suck it up and budget accordingly. I don’t like paying medical bills, but I like being healthy so I suck it up and budget accordingly.
Do I like taxes? Of course not. We are socially programmed to hate spending money. But I like the things that taxes pay for. I like good roads and good schools and fully funded emergency services. I enjoy stocked dog poop bag dispensers at parks and trailheads, and the parks and trails themselves. I’m a big fan of toilet paper, soap, and paper towels in public restrooms. I greatly appreciate libraries, even if I rarely go in one these days, and I’m sure everyone who’s ever held or attended a public meeting at one agrees with me.
Taxes are not money donated to the government for nothing in return. Taxes are money spent to purchase government services. I’d much rather pay taxes than be nickel and dimed by all the things those taxes currently pay for. And I’d definitely rather pay my share of taxes than force those who can’t afford to be nickel and dimed go without. That is why when I vote, I vote to pay taxes.
Katherine Wilson
Auke Bay
