Especially vital during elections

This letter is in response the May 17 letter, “Library tax: Users ought to pay the costs.”

I do not drive down the writer’s street. Should I pay taxes to maintain it? I do not use the fire department (God forbid, I might). Should I pay to maintain that as well? Sometimes it is better to pay to maintain something in case we need it in the future so all may benefit.

It is like insurance. You may not use the library today but the day may come when you no longer can afford the newspaper, books or Internet. It’s nice to know we have these at our disposal when needed.

Although I can respect his perspective, I don’t believe he has full concept of what the library offers society. It is my belief that a well-educated society will provide better judgments in making choices in life.

This is especially essential when we have our elections. I believe we all would rather have informed people making the decision of who sits in the Oval Office and Capitol Hill. The library offers a means for those with less-than-adequate income to garner information and make wiser decisions.

I endorse taxation that will provide and maintain an educated society. We all benefit in the end.

Gregor Michels

Arlington

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, Nov. 22

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Schwab: Incompetence of Trump’s Cabinet is the whole point

Knowledge and experience aren’t necessary if the plan is to scuttle an agency and its duties.

Allegation of slurs by Arlington football team baseless, unfair

I am reaching out to bring to your attention the recent events… Continue reading

Herald should better represent minority who support Trump

I would like to subscribe to The Herald, but I cannot stand… Continue reading

Trump will prove Sid Schwab’s warnings were correct

A recent letter to the editor accused Herald columnist Sid Schwab of… Continue reading

FILE - In this Jan. 22, 2019, file photo, Washington Supreme Court Justice Steven González listens to testimony during a hearing in Olympia, Wash. González has been elected as the next chief justice of the Washington state Supreme Court. He was elected by his colleagues on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020, according to a news release sent by the court. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
Editorial: Daunting fix to fund right to public defenders

With a court system in crisis, threatening justice, local governments say they can’t pick up the tab.

Killer whales not trapped in nets during the 1970 Penn Cove capture stayed near penned kin until the last one was hauled away on a truck. (Wallie Funk/Whidbey News-Times file)
Editorial: After 50 years, the message in orcas’ Penn Cove return

The return by L pod, following deadly roundups in 1970-71, should serve as a reminder of responsibility.

FILE — Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) on a ride-along with a Skamania County paramedic captain near Carson, Wash. on Feb. 26, 2024. Perez, who is on track to win re-election in her rural Washington district, says her party needs to stop demonizing others and recruit candidates from diverse backgrounds. (M. Scott Brauer/The New York Times)
Editorial: What Washington state’s results say about election

Both parties should consider what state voters had to say on the economy and government investments.

Comment: To fix schools, Trump will need Education Department

Blowing up the agency and its centralization will make it harder to implement needed reforms.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Nov. 21

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Commentary: County budget proposal deserves clear explanation

The proposal would use banked tax capacity, but would raise property taxes by $15 for a $650,000 home.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.