Schools’ needs victim of Marin’s coming tax wave

It is disheartening, but also understandable, that a voter survey in the Ross Valley School District shows insufficient support for a supplemental parcel tax that would have helped pay for needed salary increases for K-8 classroom teachers (“Pollster: Ross Valley schools tax won’t sit well with voters,” June 30). The school board rightly, but reluctantly, backed away from putting a measure on the November ballot.

Expenses for public services as well as utilities and fire insurance are rising dramatically. Taxpayers are becoming overextended and it’s time for voters to prioritize which of the many measures have the most merit. November’s ballot is already loaded with big tax proposals, including a still questionable $289 million bond measure for Tamalpais Union High School District buildings and a $20 billion Bay Area regional housing bond.

Additionally, Fairfax is asking voters to pass a modest tax for needed road repairs. Meanwhile, the Ross Valley Sanitary District is planning to increase service charges by more than 20% over the next five years.

Before approving any new taxes that will burden us for decades, elected boards and voters must consider the other bills that are coming due. Existing parcel taxes have to be renewed and, in the case of the Ross Valley School District, probably increased.

Teachers are more important than buildings. Unfortunately, taxpayers won’t get a chance to vote on renewal of the Ross Valley schools measure until it expires in 2026, and then it may be even more difficult to pass.

— Spencer Sias, San Anselmo

Ebbs, flows of popular sentiment will continue

Recent trends toward populism (whatever that actually means) here and abroad say more about human nature than political trends for three reasons. First, the majority of people worldwide have expectations that often exceed reality. Secondly, many hold to the age-old proverb that the grass is greener on the other side. Finally, people’s beliefs tend to be more persuasive than information.

Combining these aspects of human nature leads to more people becoming dissatisfied with their place in society. Thus, large parts of the world’s population are seeking change. It doesn’t have to be logical, it could simply be change for its own sake.

But we should all keep in mind that popular sentiment ebbs and flows, while leadership — at least in democracies — ebbs and flows with it. I suspect this will not only continue but accelerate, with the help of the internet.

So, if you are unhappy with current political trends here and abroad, don’t be dismayed. Popular opinion will circle back to meet you in the near future. Unless, of course, you’re as old as I am and won’t be around to be in the majority once again.

— Mark Hoffman, San Rafael

Donald Trump is better choice than any Democrat

When Joe Biden ran for president in 2020, I understood the implication to be that he would be a one-term officeholder due to his age. I think his wife, First Lady Jill Biden is to blame for his interest in running again. From what I’ve heard, she has been the one promoting the charade that Biden is still on top of his game with a bundle of energy.

Viewers of last month’s televised debate noted otherwise. Although I dislike Biden immensely, for a few fleeting moments, I felt sympathy as he grasped for coherence. It was more than just a “bad night.” I don’t think Biden is up to the immense job of continuing as president for another four years (or even for seven more months).

Donald Trump should be our next president, regardless of whom the Democrats choose to replace Biden on the ticket (if that happens). Trump’s tax cuts are due to expire next year. Contrary to what Biden says, they do not just benefit the wealthy. In a recent interview, Eric Toder, a fellow at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center at the Urban Institute said, “The Trump cuts on average lowered taxes for most households, including on average those earning less than $75,000.” These tax cuts need to be continued even if slightly modified.

Unlike our other recent presidents, Trump is proactive. He dictates to our foreign adversaries and friends what our policies are and they know he means it. I suspect the war in Ukraine will likely end within a couple of months of his inauguration.

If Trump is reelected, I suspect we won’t have any more energy crises, oil shortages or price increases. The elitist Democratic Party is now the party of Wall Street, some segments of Big Tech, Hollywood and, yes, Marin County.

— Henry Burgin, San Rafael