Sales Tax Increase Unnecessary, Unfair

It saddens me to think that those who live, work and/or shop in Orange County might need to pay an even higher sales tax due to the errors of a few Orange County trusted officials.

This is especially true when there are so many creative alternatives that apparently have been overlooked. For example, more than 1 million attendees saw the El Toro Air Show for free. For a mere $1 admission fee going to support Orange County, I cannot believe one less person would have attended.

What about celebrity events and concerts, with a donation going to Orange County? The opening baseball game at Anaheim Stadium sold more than 60,000 tickets at $1. What if the Angels staged another special-price ticket event for $2, with half going to Orange County?

Let’s explore other options. I am sure the public can offer many ideas.

NEIL E. GOLDBERGER

Foothill Ranch

* Your editorial (“For Recovery’s Sake, Air Sales Tax Issues,” May 7) states that the proposed sales tax increase is necessary. Unless you know something that the rest of us don’t know, that is not true and has not been demonstrated.

You seem surprised that Sheriff (Brad) Gates and Dist. Atty. (Michael R.) Capizzi support it while being Republicans. This is no surprise to (the citizenry). Whatever their abilities and political party affiliations, both Gates and Capizzi are bureaucrats--and the beneficiaries of any tax increase are primarily the bureaucrats. It is also no surprise that labor groups and teachers support the tax increase--they too benefit.

You state that “Measure R is not a thumbs-up or thumbs-down on the county’s leadership.” Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! It is exactly that!

The Board of Supervisors chose to impose the additional sales tax by a unanimous vote--they want the tax! But they are not being very vocal about wanting it. They prefer to let it seem that the public wants the tax. They are playing with smoke and mirrors!

If the voters approve Measure R, it will mean that “business as usual” will continue. In 1978, the people of the state listened to Howard Jarvis and Paul Gann and passed Proposition 13, but the bureaucrats and politicians have never heeded the will of the people. It is time they did--past time.

THOMAS J. O’NEILL

Fullerton

* For most Orange Countians, our county’s financial woes create as close a personal involvement with bankruptcy as we will ever experience; so take heed!

In The Times’ Business section of April 19, James Flanigan writes, “The saddest aspect . . . is the underlying anger and disunion it has revealed.” This was most unfortunately underscored April 20 by the (temporary) withdrawal of state Sen. William A. Craven’s support of key bills designed to assist the county with its recovery. Further quoting Flanigan: “New York City two decades ago had a far worse financial problem, but state and local government, private and public officials pitched in and worked out a solution. . . . There was unity in a raucous place not known for it.”

And just how bitter a pill is a half-cent sales tax? It seems a small price to pay for the beneficial returns we could expect from it. Like the proverbial pebble tossed in the pond, it would create ever-increasing restorative ripples going far beyond Orange County and present-day generations.

FAY CHENEY

Santa Ana