There should be a response to Welcome Home Coalition Director Molly Hogan’s argument against Metro’s tax rate reduction for homeless services (Opinion: Metro Council should reject proposal to decrease tax rate for homeless services, Dec. 22). Hogan hopes we forget that this special tax was not meant to be permanent and that we pay a lot of other taxes to address the crisis on our streets. Although this article makes generalizations regarding increasing productivity, the author does not propose a single specific, workable way to enhance results.
I understand what my numerous taxes don’t accomplish because I own real estate in the area. They don’t seem to lessen the number of homeless people, and they don’t maintain the streets safe and tidy. What I do observe is a dependence on our tax income. Advocates appear to claim that they will perform better than they have in the past if they can secure one more financial adjustment. This is the traditional negotiating strategy used by addicts.
Time for some rough love. The tax should be lowered by the Metro Council. Let’s cease giving money to groups who are unable to explain to us how they plan to use tax cash responsibly and effectively. And let’s assume that they will render their occupations obsolete if they perform them well. That would indicate that everyone has achieved the objectives of this short-term tax.
Portland’s Christine Hertzog
Visit regonlive.com/opinion to read further letters to the editor.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
