Letters: How to pay for fixing the streets
Re “Higher levy could pay for roads,” March 19
No one likes to pay taxes. But the reality is that taxes are a government’s primary source of revenue to pay for much-needed services.
It is foolish to think that L.A. shouldn’t raise its sales tax to repair roads until it cuts salaries and benefits for city workers. The repair and maintenance of sidewalks and streets is a duty of the city, which is required to pay any judgments rendered for a breach of that duty — like slip-and-fall injuries caused by buckled sidewalks.
Opposing tax increases to pay for infrastructure repair is like refusing to fix your leaky roof until the handyman charges less.
Judi Jones
San Pedro
When Eric Garcetti ran for mayor, he promised to fix the streets. He did not say, “I will raise your taxes so I can fix the streets.”
Voters would be right to reject a sales tax increase. This is simply a way to force L.A. residents to pay for what they already have spent years paying for through wear and tear on their cars and their nerves.
This tax increase is definitely not what residents signed on for when they elected Garcetti as mayor. He should oppose it.
Joan Walston
Santa Monica
Has it ever occurred to anyone to ask why L.A.’s streets are in such disrepair when our climate doesn’t ravish us with the rain, snow and consequent salt and heavy plows like so many other U.S. cities?
Bonnie Sanders
Malibu
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