Vote against 5% resort tax
I would like to respond to the article written in The Bonners Ferry Herald, Oct. 2, 2007. (Resort Tax Considered for Bonners Ferry.)
Who will it benefit? Not the average working man.
I have been in the motel business for over 20 years. The working man cannot afford to pay the extreme prices the larger motels charge. In our community, the casino is subsidized by our government.
They pay no tax, which of course you and I do. I pay 6-percent sales tax and 2-percent lodging tax. Now the city is asking for their share of 5 percent, which will be a total of 13 percent.
Is it fair that the small motels have to collect this tax, where the casino have to collect none? Let the people pay this excessive tax who want to play, not the working man.
When the working man comes to town, he tries to find the most reasonable rental while he is here. Add the 5 percent more, he will soon learn to avoid our town and go elsewhere.
Who and what is the five percent tax for? The article stated that it would go to the new $1.13 million Visitor Center. Why didn't the people who had a vision to create this monster have the forethought to how it will be taken care of, or did they?
Are they smart? Yes they are. They know how to manipulate the public to get just what they want. They are always seen with their hand out, giving and taking.
They will appear to be the good guy while they are robbing you, which of course comes in many ways. Election is coming. Vote no on this tax.
The working man's expenses are great. Not only do they have to pay for their living while here, but also their home for their families. My husband did that for some years so I know.
He was an ironworker. He was called upon to build the Moyie Bridge some years ago.
Why should we penalize people who come in to help build our city, bridges and any construction our locals don't specialize in? We should be grateful for them, not penalize them.
What are our city fathers thinking of? Is it a game to them to manipulate our own, to gain fame for their accomplishments? Let's make this small town one to be proud of; not one that will skin you when you get here.
The old visitors center was a very nice one with plenty of parking. No matter what you have, you can improve on it with a much lower price tag. Plus no one needed to be hurt by it.
Now we have a dike with a hole in it, less parking with curbs in the way and recreational vehicles that do not enter because of no room. It's pretty, but not practical.
In the future, I hope more forethought would go into what is best for the overall community.
There are many watch dogs. Pay attention to them. I like to read their reports. You may not agree, but at least they spoke up. Don't wait until it falls in your back yard.
The Carriage House Inn's projected future is more units with a restaurant. More jobs and customers for our town.
We want our town to grow in a good way. We will not collect more tax. We will put our money and work elsewhere, maybe Alaska.
Vote no on resort tax. Welcome our visitors. Don't penalize them.
Hazel and Larry Eby
Carriage House Inn