The county government has budget issues that need to be resolved. However, many citizens have budget issues that are even more pressing.

I am in the construction industry and have personal contact with many construction workers, companies and suppliers. Often, these are self-employed people who do not show up in the unemployment numbers or do not qualify for unemployment benefits. They have been severely affected by the current economy. Their family budgets have been slashed and they are living on a fraction of their previous income.

On other hand, government is expanding and continuing to give pay raises to employees. The citizens cannot support a growing and more expensive government while they are forced to live on less.

I ask you to consider the thousands of unemployed and underemployed in our area and to not support any increase in taxation at this time.

We should focus on increasing efficiency in government and limiting government to the highest public priorities. It will take sacrifice from all of us to make it through this difficult period.

Daryl Tapio
City of SeaTac Planning Commissioner