This letter is in response to the injustice and lack of representation I feel regarding the real estate tax increase on my personal property. During what has been termed “the most distressing economic times in the financial history of the U.S.,” Island County believes the value of my property has increased by $13,000.

In 2009 my property was assessed at a value of $13,000 more than the previous year. In these dire economic times, with shops and businesses closing their doors for good, I find it difficult to understand how the value of my properly could have increased by $13,000. There have been no improvements to the land or home that justify an increase. I unsuccessfully challenged the 2010 property evaluation to the Board of Equalization.

As a citizen of the United States I have an expectation that our government is fair, honest and represents the people. It troubles me that our government is unable to do what’s fair and honest in this situation as well as its inability to live within the squeezed budget that I as a senior citizen have grown accustomed to. If our elected officials are unwilling to serve the people we should be voting them out of office as quickly as possible.

I have sent email and left voicemail with three elected officials on Whidbey Island but have heard nothing in return.

John Muszynski

Oak Harbor