The new Beltrami County Jail issue is not only a matter of justice as addressed in Mr. Henningsgaard鈥檚 detailed commentary published on Oct. 21. The issue is also a matter of values and equity.
We as a community recently voted against funding our school system to an appropriate level. Are we now going to fund a new jail? How shameful! Funding our schools and social infrastructure will benefit us more. A new school funding measure should be on the ballot side by side with the issue of funding a new jail. Make us vote on what our core values are as a community.
ADVERTISEMENT
I guess a new jail needs to be built. I do not mind paying my fair share, but what is fair? We have a marginal tax rate at the state and federal levels for a reason. They are designed to ensure the burden of taxation is equitable across income levels.
With our current level of technology, we should be able to tax locally in this same manner. Tax for a new jail according to overall affluence not as a flat rate. As a flat tax rate, even .625% impacts the poorer members of our community disproportionately.
The Trust Project
