Taxes and tricks

Re “Bottom-line questions,” editorial, April 15

You could tell it was April 15, tax day, because The Times dusted off its worn-out tirade against Proposition 13. Yet I find myself agreeing with the paper’s plea to launch a broad discussion of tax issues. Who pays too little? Easy answer: Those who make their livelihood in the underground economy.

If your search for revenue solutions is comprehensive enough to identify those not paying their fair share but also placing out-of-proportion demands on state services, then bring it on. And if we are truly $8 billion in the hole, and we share it equally between 37 million residents, I will gladly pay my $216 share as long as you find a way to capture the same amount from the tax absconders whose social welfare costs greatly exceed the revenue shortfall.

Thomas Oatway

Valencia

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Why do The Times and many politicians feel a need to blame Proposition 13 for California’s financial woes and to tinker or even eliminate it so that unaffordable, if not unwarranted, pet projects can continue?

People must not forget the pre-Proposition 13 era when property taxes were skyrocketing in spite of overwhelming surpluses and the politicians were bickering about whether to spend or give back the excess. Then Howard Jarvis and the people revolted -- hence Proposition 13 -- and told them to give it back to the people and rein in taxes and spending. Too many Californians, particularly retirees, were being forced to sell their homes because they couldn’t pay the taxes. Proposition 13 saved them and other people from a poorly managed government.

To answer your bottom-line questions, no, Proposition 13 did not ruin everything, and yes, it is sacrosanct and should be irrevocable.

Patrick Lewandowski

Valencia

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For decades I have witnessed a narrow segment of the population oppose any tax increases. The wealthy can always send their kids to private schools, vacation at private resorts and treat their healthcare needs. Meanwhile, our state parks are closing, the trauma-care hospital network is imploding and our public education system spirals downward. Anti-tax advocates are always looking to get the other guy to pay or to make the system less progressive. But Proposition 13 has created large, ongoing inequities. Schemes like Lotto did not live up to their billing as the panacea for our impoverished educational system, and I doubt that a gambling casino monopoly for a few Indian tribes will solve the state’s fiscal problems. The Times’ call for comprehensive tax reform is spot on.

As a former chief analyst responsible for putting together the L.A. city budget, I have a unique perspective. Los Angeles has a broad stream of revenue that helps smooth some of the shortfalls that come from economic downturns. However, there is a point at which the budget magicians can no longer pull any more rabbits from the hat. I think we’re there.

Richard Dickinson

Glendale