Letter: Those who work in valley should bear tax load

Friday, March 1, 2002 | 10:07 a.m.

One solution to our valley's problems:

Since the rush of people moving to the Las Vegas Valley, Southern Nevada has wound up having the most problems in our state. A moratorium was never put into effect by our city fathers so we could play catch-up with schools, police and fire -- so many issues have escalated, making working conditions unbearable for many.

Every year we hear of bond issues needed for more people and schools till it's coming out of our ears. To be fair, not everyone should suffer from problems Southern Nevada has itself created. Since it mostly stems in Henderson, North Las Vegas, Las Vegas and the Boulder City area, people in the outlying areas of Clark County do not benefit equally from taxes for the monster we created from this boom.

I believe it's time we consider doing what other large cities have done. Create a city working tax payable by any individual working in this valley regardless of where they live, citizens or not. The money would go strictly for solving problems in this valley only, equally divided among the four local entities. It's been done and it's proven it works. No other cities have been complaining about schools and police problems like us. It's time to do our own fixing and not ask for the help of those not involved.

CHARLES HAGEN

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