While reading a Herald article concerning a “statistically valid survey” (July 25), I found myself amused by the notion of validity since it only concerns the population of voters in Durango.
I do the bulk of my shopping in the county, with Durango receiving the bulk of my purchases. Money used in transactions in a community generally stays there through several transactions, greatly increasing the tax base and economic strength of the region.
The way I read this article is that the bulk of the increased tax burden will fall on the shoulders of tourists and county residents outside Durango who spend their money in Durango. I also think that not considering property taxes as a viable alternative is a means to keep funding open for some future building project. In the last election cycle property taxes were used to offset what I call “trickle-down government” – state government rolling the political ball downhill to county and local governments for funding issues.
Considering the current suggested tax environment, I have decided that my money is mine to spend in any manner I prefer. I therefore have decided to take my money elsewhere and pay taxes where I decide and not at the whim of individuals who are more interested in money than fairness.
Richard Kampf
Bayfield
