Bottom line on the state budget

Re “State’s budget no role model,” July 7

I suggest people stop blaming every state cash crisis on Proposition 13. This shows a lack of imagination.

In my opinion, basing a tax on the current value of an asset -- a value over which the owner of the asset has little or no control -- is a very bad idea. I agree that Proposition 13 has led to differences in property taxes paid on similar dwellings, but that’s a symptom of the basic problem with the whole concept: The property tax on housing is wrong. Let’s face it and start thinking of more equitable solutions.

If you think the mortgage crisis and high gasoline prices are causing social disturbance, try repealing Proposition 13 and see what happens. See how many families would lose their homes, how spending would be curtailed, how college plans would be set aside, how many retired people would despair.

Start with the idea that the goal of city and state government is to support and encourage a stable, well-functioning and prosperous society. The purpose of taxes is to help accomplish that goal. Taxes should not contribute to the destabilization of the very community they are meant to promote.

Ruth Silveira

Los Angeles

As I read The Times’ articles about the California budget, two questions came to mind.

First, why don’t we review the methods of successful states -- Utah, Virginia, Washington -- to come up with a system to solve our problems?

Second, would it be possible to have an easily accessible, statewide public forum, perhaps via a television station like C-SPAN, so legislators would have to defend their biases for all to see?

Perhaps this would restore trust in our state government. We see very little that goes on in Sacramento. We need to be better informed about what happens in the Legislature so we can make good decisions when it is time to vote.

Bobby Fraker

Hacienda Heights