Thanks to all the people of Oak Harbor and Island County that said enough is enough by defeating overwhelmingly Proposition 1.

Government is breaking the backs of the homeowners. It astounds me when the people vote down a proposition or levy. Mothers, babies, the district attorney, fire chief and police chief start with the panic strategy. If you notice most calls that are published in the paper are very minor neighbor disputes. Just an observation, on July 4 a man and his two small grandchildren were walking towards the carnival. He was carrying a clear plastic cup half full of beer. He was not intoxicated and not trying to conceal it. Apparently he didn’t know the law. Five police officers confronted him as if they had captured a serial killer. During the 15-minute ordeal the five officers stayed with the man until the situation was over.

Even though it is illegal why did they have to humiliate this man in front of his grandchildren and other people using five officers? It would have taken only one officer to cite him and dispose of the beer. The man was not hostile in any way. I really felt sorry for the man.

Concerning homeowners, I have two rentals in Las Vegas. My Vegas properties’ value decreased by $37,000, however my property taxes also decreased by $517 a year. My Oak Harbor property value decreased by $31,600 and my taxes increased $37. When the economy is good, why can’t city, county, state and federal governments save for a rainy day? It’s not possible because they’re spending other people’s money. Amazing!

William Ludlow

Oak Harbor