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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Wednesday, December 3, 2008 Snohomish County raises sales tax to pay for drug treatment By Krista J. Kapralos Herald Writer EVERETT -- The Snohomish County Council agreed today raise the sales tax by one-tenth of 1 percent to fund rehabilitation facilities for people who are drug addicted or mentally ill. The program will begin on April 1, and will bring $52.8 million in its first five years. The money will help expand drug court programs and rehabilitation centers. “This is a public safety issue,” Councilman Dave Gossett said. “This is an issue of whether we treat people or put people in jail to keep them cycling through the system. But most important, it’s an issue of simple humanity.” Dozens of mental health professionals, former drug addicts and concerned family members told the council at its regular meeting today that the county doesn’t currently have enough space to treat people who need it. The meeting began at 10 a.m., and council Chairman Dave Somers ended public testimony at noon, when there were still nine pages-worth of people signed up to speak. He asked if anyone was there to speak against the tax, and no one in the crowded room responded. Councilmen John Koster and Mike Cooper did not attend the meeting. Somers, Gossett and Councilman Brian Sullivan all voted in favor of the tax. READER COMMENTS Log in or register to post new comment | Log out why In a bad economy you're going to raise taxes? Mark | Dec 3, 2008 5:33 pm | 1 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal Ridiculous This is totally ridicuous! How many times do the same people want "rehab" when they come into the Emergency Department. Wake up, they want a free ride! How long are the working poor supposed to pay for the "poor addict" who continues to make poor choices. Not to mention that we are probably already paying for their welfare checks! PB | Dec 4, 2008 5:41 pm | 0 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal A great idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It sounds like most of the posters on this board have been brain washed by the propaganda used in the war on drugs. You know...the endless war that has cost trillions of dollars with no end or victory in sight? It's called prevention people. It is far cheaper to attempt to rehabilitate users than it is to incarcerate them and/or make them wards of the state. Not to mention the good that can come from it. Albert Einstein once said “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. This is a clean break from the insanity of the failed war on drugs! Outstanding job councilmen! Henry Stephanson | Dec 4, 2008 10:57 am | 0 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal Many wanted to speak in the hearing Unfortunately, most of us working folks weren't able to take time away from our jobs to testify as we work for a living. Apparently those who had time to testify are not gainfully employed. Kristine Jones | Dec 3, 2008 10:20 pm | 0 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal I'm going to start shopping in Skagit County Any large purchases we make from now on will be made in Skagit County. The control I have is to NOT feed the beast the three council members developed today. I may just move out of Snohomish County, the Welfare Redistribution County. Kristine Jones | Dec 3, 2008 10:14 pm | 0 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal We are educated on Drug Court Drug Court is good, however, what about all the other programs that aren't funded? This is redistribution of wealth...well, not wealth..Why should I have to pay their way? Who will help my kids who can barely keep food on their tables, who work hard every day, who pay their child support, who pay their bills and rent and have chosen to not use drugs. Addiction DOES run in my family, but my kids chose to NOT use. Why should we pay their way? Who will pay my children's way? Why weren't we allowed a vote on this issue? The three Council members made a choice without a thought of the regular responsible folks who live in this county. There are plenty of special programs out there who also could use funding, but with the economy we CANNOT afford it. Kristine Jones | Dec 3, 2008 10:09 pm | 0 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal go drug court I think people need to get educated on the disease of addiction. I would much rather have addicts in drug court then robbing my house again. Next time a loved one gets cancer have them try will power to get rid of it.Do they have a choise? Gail Moore | Dec 3, 2008 10:00 pm | 0 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal Raising taxes You have got to be kidding! This county decides to raise taxes on responsible people in order to pay the way for irresponsible people to go to rehab? Seriously? How many times do they get a 'free ride'? The first time? The tenth? Getting as bad as Seattle, never met a tax hike they didn't like. Great, what county do I shop in now? Laura Bilger | Dec 3, 2008 9:32 pm | 0 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal (No heading) Am a bit confused here? why is it those who are stuck paying this tax are not the ones voting on it? and why are we linking mental health with drug addiction? sorry having lived with an addict I don't have any sympothy for them making their choices first of all and second maybe if they paid their own treatment they'd be more willing to get clean? just sayin! Danni None | Dec 3, 2008 8:34 pm | 0 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal Would you like to pay my dr. bills? Since the County is so willing to take taxpayer monies to pay for those who choose to not be responsible, would you be willing to pay my doctor bills? It is a contradiction in that while you want to see folks get clean and sober and be responsible, you pay Brice and Timm to get kids out of going to school and off drugs. Why don't you take the $200,000.00 you are paying them and give that to drug treatment programs? Kristine Jones | Dec 3, 2008 5:44 pm | 0 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal

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