Whittier School Levy Plan Puts Reader in a Cold Sweat

In the tradition of a recurring nightmare, the Whittier City School District and the Whittier Union High School District, two different but overlapping districts, are once again poised, with hands extended, prepared to levy another unacceptable tax upon our already over-taxed community in the form of a Maintenance Assessment District.

Folks, keep in mind they’re not asking, they’re demanding. We should at least have the opportunity to vote on this new “contribution” (a recently invented patriotic term). But a vote of the people is not to be. The school board members that we elected have moved from the role of educating to a role of imposing new taxes without consent.

As you pull your wallet out to pay your new tax, please consider the broad tax picture. It’s like one of those scenes from “Poltergeist” where hands reach from a grave, flesh dangling from bone, trying to grip and pull you in, only in our nightmare it’s the bony hands of the federal, state, county, city governments and now the school boards wanting to pull us in, wanting more of our hard-earned money.

Remember, Congress just voted for the largest tax increase in American history. Higher income tax, fuel tax, capital gains tax and the looming socialized medicine tax, plus myriad federal fees and levies. On the state level we can look forward to the extension of the 1/2-cent sales tax, increased income, fuel, and vehicle taxes, with other service related fees, permit costs and levies. Then the county has its hand extended and the city of Whittier plans higher taxes and what utility or service district hasn’t raised or planned to raise their fees?

The Whittier Union High School District board voted unanimously on a resolution to go forward with the tax, but has not yet approved it. At the upcoming June 29 school board meeting and on Aug. 3 at 8:15 p.m. in the cafeteria of California High School, you can voice your opinion directly to the board. Or you can call the district office at (310) 698-8121 and share your feelings with Supt. Lee Eastwood.

Your reaction to this proposed tax will determine the course school boards take in the future in regard to additional assessments.

THOMAS BORGOGNA

Santa Fe Springs