Letter: Where’s the money coming from?

Monday, Oct. 10, 2005 | 9 a.m.

Here's what you called for in your three editorials in the Oct. 6 edition: Sandy Valley needs a bigger school, Henderson needs more 911 dispatchers and Las Vegas needs a new performing arts venue. None of the editorials addressed where the money would come from -- where cuts could be made in other programs or how big of a tax increase would be needed.

Just as every household must prioritize spending, our cities, counties, states and country need to decide at each level what is most important -- and accept that everyone will not get everything they want or believe is needed. Tough choices have to be made.

Do we want more police officers or 911 dispatchers? Do we want a new school in Sandy Valley or the rapidly growing northwest valley? Do we want a medical center or a performing arts center? Do we want more services for the homeless or more public transportation or improved roads or help for an economically blighted area?

I am not saying that I am personally for or against any of these specific issues. I would just appreciate it if, instead of writing "the city needs to" or "the county needs to," you would say what you mean -- that the taxpayers need to cough up more money. If that is not what you mean, then clearly state what program should be cut to fund the issue you are supporting.

In my 30 years in the Las Vegas Valley, I have watched us move from a state near the bottom in total tax burden on the residents to a state near the top. When are we going to accept that we can't have everything?

Dorothy Wagner Las Vegas