Taxation without representation

July 26, 2016

Washington, Iowa

To the Editor:

On Aug. 2, 2016, citizens of Washington will have the opportunity to vote on whether or not they want their taxes raised for the next 20 years. The funds from this increase will be used to build a new YMCA building on West Fifth Street. While taxpayers will have the opportunity to vote on this issue, they will have no representation when it comes to making decisions about this private fee-based entity. The board of the YMCA will control what is built, and how the money is spent. Taxpayers will pay 30 percent of the expense of the building, and will have 0 percent ownership. This seems to be what our forefathers fought against in 1776 ? taxation without representation!

Subsidizing the construction of this private business is the equivalent of corporate welfare. Why would the citizens of Washington be expected to subsidize memberships? Our taxes should be used for services that the entire community can benefit from, not just the ones who can afford the memberships.

Who will we be asked to subsidize next? There are many worthy causes in this community that could use a helping hand. Will the churches be next? How about the Senior Center? Public Health would surely like another opportunity to get taxpayer support. The city and the county have already used our taxes to support the building of a new YMCA. Land was donated by the city, which was equivalent to a $50,000 donation. The county donated $10,000. The rest of the money needed to build should come from private donations.

Stand up, Washingtonians! Let your voices be heard on Aug. 2 by voting. As former first lady Nancy Reagan said, ?Just say no!? Say no to taxation without representation. Say no to corporate welfare. Say no to subsidizing memberships for those who can afford a membership. Say no to public funds being used for nonpublic projects!

Concerned taxpayer

Janet Caldwell