Thanks to Ralph Nichols for a very accurate picture of our illegal immigration problem. If our legislators ignore the problem, Washington will follow California with a bankrupt medical system, exorbitant social service debt, etc.

Hard-working citizens are paying dearly for an unearned and undeserved (welfare) lifestyle for illegal immigrants. Property taxes are skyrocketing and forcing many elderly out of their homes, without a decent and safe retirement alternative.

Our sleepy bedroom communities, once neat and well-maintained, have become ill-kept and deteriorating. Our property tax concept should reward (lower taxes) those that maintain their property, and penalize (higher taxes) property in disrepair.

In addition to benefiting from food stamps, subsidized housing, educational programs, and social services, many illegal immigrants are able to fraudulently purchase homes. Big down-payments (cash from unknown sources) and good credit (a few credit cards and rental payment on time) will qualify a buyer.

When you don't have to report your income and pay taxes, it certainly increases your borrowing power. Our children and grandchildren will not be able to compete within this framework.

Insurance rates are increasing dramatically, as the number of uninsured drivers are increasing. Hospitals will be unable to provide adequate emergency service to our residents, due to the increase in drug and violence related injuries.

The justice system is being overburden as well. We are in a crisis mode and need to remedy this problem immediately.

Pat Kassner

Normandy Park