Pubdate: Thu, 25 Apr 2002
Source: Winston-Salem Journal (NC)
Copyright: 2002 Piedmont Publishing Co. Inc.
Contact:  http://www.journalnow.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/504
Note: The Journal does not publish letters from writers outside its daily 
home delivery circulation area.
Author: JIM LEONARD

STOP ASKING FOR MONEY

It's amazing how local, state and federal government cannot manage a budget 
without "digging" into hardworking taxpayers' pockets. The Winston-Salem 
aldermen and mayor are no exception. The recent proposed vehicle tax is a 
farce. Let me make some suggestions for increased revenue.

Increase all fines for traffic violations, especially repeat offenders. 
Drastically increase fines for drug and alcohol convictions, mostly on drug 
dealers. Charge a fee for all immigrants seeking residence in the United 
States (charge the individual, not some in-state agency). Look at some 
possibilities for cutting back on political expenses (charity begins at 
home). Quit trying to invent costly projects and trying to keep up with the 
Joneses. Seek and encourage hardworking and honest taxpayers to make 
suggestions. Stop paying out funds to freeloaders who are able to work.

I encourage anyone reading this to make his local, state and federal 
elected officials know how he feels about this situation. If enough people 
speak out, maybe we might get the attention we deserve.

JIM LEONARD

Lexington.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart