The word “recreation” stems from Latin 14c meaning “to refresh oneself.” But are we really prepared to tax another person’s land in order to fund someone else’s “refreshment”?
Property rights have been deteriorating for a long time. Justice William Paterson said in Van Horne’s Lessee v. Dorrance (1795), “the right of acquiring and possessing property, and having it protected, is one of the natural, inherent and inalienable rights of man.” Could one make the argument that unnecessary property taxation based on the commodification of leisure (refreshment) tax is an infringement upon ones natural right to be secure to his land? Stated differently, tax transforms right to privilege.
Notwithstanding “if” property tax is justifiable, where does one draw the line? The prevailing argument is based upon “the necessities for the common good in order for a community to function” i.e water/sewer/emergency services. But is leisure a taxable necessity in order for a community to function?
To further digress, is taxing the right method to yield the best results?
History has shown us that the innovation and incentive of free market solutions excel over the entitlements imposed upon one through the method of taxation, not to mention the public sectors uncanny ability to run up deficits instead of surpluses.
Nearly a $100,000 to pay two people? I can’t help but wonder if are they applying for a job or a lottery. Nearly $50,000 in “deFacto subsidies” and more have made me skeptical to how forthcoming this committee has been on its complete intentions within this proposal.
I can’t help but wonder if this is maintenance or expansion.
Is it not evident to say that the current lack of jobs/ local business (not to mention a nation wide depression), is testament to the bad timing of this tax? Is this a small community bailout?
Their are many alternatives to generate revenue. To quote Winston Churchill, “There is no such thing as a good tax.”
I think we would be astonished to discover what the free market of Orcas is actually capable of, when put to the test.
Nicholas Goodrich
Orcas Island
