Do we fall into thinking that our national parks are for tourists only? Our tremendous national parks and Westside Scenic Preserve are easy to access and not just for tourists.

The Land Bank is once again in the news and on the ballot. What has been acquired is considerable and should be maintained. A combined land mass of around 5,000 acres! Those in favor of still more Land Bank acquisitions are welcome to look at the proposed renewal from another perspective. When an individual acquires potentially useful products, in obsessive excess, we call this hoarding.

Culture of excess – let us stop and think. Just how much Land Bank land is needed? We have 2,141 acres of National Park land. Public access, owned by U.S. taxpayers, paid by tax dollars. American Camp and British Camp National Parks equal the combined acreage of Sucia Island (564), Jones Island (188) and one-half of Waldron Island (2,944.) You live here – you don’t even need to get on the ferry to go to Cattle Point Lighthouse or climb up Mt. Young.

Residents seek to own and not be nomads. Ownership equals stability. It is about the present and our children’s children. We need stable year-round jobs, farming and home ownership potential for present and future generations. It is a different world (and island) than it was 34 years ago. The Land Bank real estate excise tax on the purchase of a home only adds to the taxation load. When I purchased a modest older home, before prices climbed with the 2020 real estate skyrocket, it was a shock how much the Land Bank took. It was a huge amount.

Since 2021, property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, auto insurance and massive inflation have enacted great havoc. Please voters, think carefully. More taxation, really?? Renters, low- to middle-income are affected by REET tax increases. There are other hidden costs like long expensive commuting for ordinary people. The middle class is in the dilemma of the tax burden. Costco is not the solution. We need farmers on working farms. We need homes affordable for families, service people and ordinary people. More tax-exempt land (i.e., Land Bank land) is not a solution. Vote compassion for renters and the middle class. Vote NO on Proposition 1.

Dorena West-Mooney

San Juan Island