I’ve had enough of tax debates that fail to address the most obvious cause of our ongoing financial problems: Oregon’s lack of a broad-based sales tax! (Editorial: New City Leaders’ Honeymoon Is Already Over,” January 19) Indeed, I am aware that voters will never accept one. However, that does not imply that it should be forgotten as if it never happened.
In this nation, just five states do not impose a sales tax. The three-legged stool of income tax, sales tax, and property tax is how most states fund their governments. In this manner, each tax’s benefits and drawbacks balance out. In Oregon, local governments rely largely on property taxes that fall short of demand because of voter-adopted limitations, while the state government primarily depends on personal income taxes.
However, rather than criticizing the lack of financing, The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board and the fat cats point the finger at the officials who attempt to address urgent issues through a patchwork of innovative new taxes. The only reason for the need for these odd new taxes is the absence of steady state funding. In Oregon, we require a broad-based sales tax.
Portland’s Elizabeth J. Hinds
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