Councilman Raymond Shaw Reagan Dunn
King County Council
Dear Raymond Reagan,
I enjoyed reading your empassioned column in today’s Seattle Times hawking your “transparency in taxation” proposal. Like you, I have my King County property taxes paid through my mortgage company. It’s easy that way. But that means I don’t get a report on how my taxes are being spent.
Clearly this has been bothering you. On your web site, you stated that you were “stunned to learn recently that nearly half of the property owners in King County do not receive a summary of where their property taxes go.” I’m not sure why it took you so long to finally come to this stunning realization…. I mean, I was so upset when I first moved here that I did something about it.
I learned that there was something called “the Internets,” where all kinds of information is stored in a series of tubes. It was all very confusing and the information was difficult to find until I learned about “the Google.” Now, with a few seconds of work, “the Google” brings me to this tube. When I manipulate my mouse over the proper spot on that tube, and depressed the leftmost switch on the mouse, I find helpful reports on how my tax dollars are being collected and spent. A useful spending summary for 2007 can be found in this tube.
I was thinking…it would cost me a couple of extra buck in property tax to pay to have all this information mailed to me. Don’t you think this borders dangerously on an unnecessary tax increase and growth in government? (Funny…I never used to think of you as a “big government” type.) Instead of growing the government, why not just let people know how to find the proper tubes on the internets for this information?
I found another interesting tube as well: Taxfoundation.org. There I learned that Washington state residences have a tax burden that is just a hair above the average for the United States. The U.S. average is a state and local tax burden of 11.0%, whereas Washingtonians have a state and local tax burden of 11.1%. I noticed that, for the previous 30 years, Washington state residents have had about a 0.5% higher state and local tax burden than the U.S. average. So, the 0.1% we have now is pleasant, but perhaps a little alarming at the same time. I mean, do we really want someplace like Alabama to serve as our model for taxation and government?
Anyway, good luck with your “transparency” project Raymond Reagan, and may the tubes be with you.
Yours verily,
Darryl
Horsesass.org
All for the greater good of King County and the Neo-Socialist cause. After all, Seattle and King Conty are all that matter.
Right, Darryl?
Alabama? Everyone there is constantly bitching about the state income tax.
The tax structure around here is the antithesis of progressive! The Dems run the show and they are brutal with how they allocate the tax burden.
The combined state and local taxes around here are about the most regressive in the nation. Here’s information on this, from WSDOR:
http://dor.wa.gov/docs/reports.....7_2004.pdf
On page 14 it shows us near the top with an 8.9% sales tax rate. That figure now is 9%, because of the new local “Transit Now” tax.
Now look what would happen if the new RTID and ST sales taxes are approved – we’d have the sixth highest sales tax rate (9.6%) in the country.
Local sales taxes make our overall tax structure horribly regressive.
Check out the charts on pages 38 and 39. When you combine state and local tax rates, we are JUST ABOUT THE WORST in terms of regressive tax structures. The only states with higher overall rates are those with income taxes.
And the RTID and ST2 ballot measure would make that bad situation much worse.
Businesses would benefit from the transportation system upgrades – but they wouldn’t pay for most of the improvements. It is those of us who can least afford it who would be paying.
The big additional MVET hit from RTID would would fall on families, not businesses for the most part (few businesses own vehicles).
Thanks Sound Transit!!!! You’re giving us squat and slamming us with sales tax. And now you want to make the regressive tax structure worse, huh? Punish people more . . . yeah, that’s the ticket.
@1;
The Times article in question only mentions King County.
Man, you’re talented Darryl. You did this so much better than I can. I would have posted the link to the on-line info and said, “look here, dumbass.”
But the reality of your superior erudition doesn’t change the fact that Dunn is a dumbass.
Well just maybe it is time for all those peeps that live in KC to really find out where their tax dollars are going. I am not too sure you want all those people really knowing what is going on. Maybe that is why KC has been doing that for so long. Keep em in the dark, they don’t bitch and moan so much. Might even get an extra vote or two….
@1 Move here http://tinyurl.com/2wf2er and submit a report in 6 months on how you’re doing in the No-Tax Paradise.
Well just maybe it is time for all those peeps that live in KC to really find out where their tax dollars are going.
I LIVE IN KC, OWN PROPERTY, HAVE MY MORTAGE COMPANY HANDLE MY PROPERTY TAXES AND DON’T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH KC’S SPENDING PRIORITIES.
I DON’T KNOW IF I CAN HANDLE TOO MUCH MORE PROPERTY TAX BUT AS LONG AS WE DON’T TAX INCOME IN THIS STATE AND STATES CAN’T GET FEDERAL FUNDING BECAUSE THE FEDS ARE TOO BUSY FIGHTING USELESS WARS, WE’RE GOING TO SEE MORE PROPERTY TAX INCREASES.
YOU AND DUNN ASSUME PEOPLE ARE STUPID AND CAN’T FIND THINGS OUT FOR THEMSELVES. YOU’RE BOTH MORONS.
YOU AND DUNN ASSUME PEOPLE ARE STUPID AND CAN’T FIND THINGS OUT FOR THEMSELVES.
Speaking of which, there’s a button on the left side of your keyboard that will help you get control of that YELLING THING YOU’RE DOING ON THE INTERNETS. Give it a try.
Do recall that the taxfoundation.org numbers are based against the _average income_ of the state in question. So 11.1% of Washington State’s average income is a much higher gross number than Alabama’s. And Washington has a very regressive tax structure, the sales tax is highly unfair to poor folk.
I’d be in favor of an income tax, PROVIDED the sales tax was constitutionally eliminated, not reduced, eliminated. Otherwise, we end up like California with both.
I’d also be in favor of eliminating the subsidy for the Port of Seattle, since they collected $68 million and showed a profit of $85 million.
In general, I don’t mind taxes, provided the government doing the taxing doesn’t piss away the money. I could have cut $1.5 billion out of the Sound Transit budget and they wouldn’t have noticed.
re 5: I think RayGunn Done knows very well that this information is easily obtained on the tubular-googleized internets (more likely someone on his staff would know). He’s just trolling for ignorant and spiteful assholes to add to his political base.
I see you’re already there.
Reagan Dunn reminds me a great deal of GWB. There ain’t no way he would be where he is if not for his parentage and connections. He is an empty suit, which is precisely what the Republican powers-that-be love. Someone easily controlled, who will tow the line, and can’t think for himself. I think, if left to their own devices, Republicans would impose a monarchy upon us. They so adore the concept of royal succession.
What? you don’t like shouting?????????
REAGAN DUNN IS THE KINDEST, BRAVEST, WARMEST, MOST WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING I’VE EVER KNOWN IN MY LIFE!!!!!
Reagan: It’s a terrible thing to hate your mother. But I didn’t always hate her. When I was a child, I only kind of disliked her.
I don’t mind the way King County is spending my taxes as much as I mind the way the Bush Administration is spending my great-grandchildrens’ taxes.
What’s up with the Raymond-Reagan thing? What did I miss?
michael,
Ever see The Manchurian Candidate?
Michael,
This should help.
And…yes, I did ask Goldy if I could use his schtick. It’s part of the Horsesass Manual of Style now.
Hey Headless,
Why won’t you write the Washington State Council of Firefighters to verify that 1000 firefighters are not eligible for Medicare benefits and that we do not receive Medical when we retire? Why are you shying away from admitting that you are wrong? Are you not able to admit that your ignorant when it comes to firefighter issues? Are you afraid of actually debating the facts, without resorting to a foul tirade of name calling? Take me up Lucy, or shirk away like the coward that you are.
@7 He’s not yelling. He’s only typing in all-caps.
I meant @8.
@9 “I’d be in favor of an income tax, PROVIDED the sales tax was constitutionally eliminated, not reduced, eliminated.”
The proposals that have been floated call for eliminating the B&O tax and the state portion of the sales tax, but the local sales tax would remain. The state portion is 6%, so you’d still pay 2.9% in King County. And undoubtedly some interest groups with a spending agenda would argue that it’s easier to raise a 2.9% tax than an 8.9% tax, so the tin cup would be waving under your nose almost immediately.
Having said that, I nevertheless support the Gates Commission’s income tax proposal.
@5 KK fled the reality-based universe long ago.
@11 Dunn is living proof that you don’t have to be smart to become a lawyer.
I assume you all know by now that Wolfie is history.
And Democrats are calling for a “no confidence” vote on Gonzo. The White House calls it a meaningless “political act.” Political act yes, meaningless no. It will put every GOP Senator on the spot. Any Senator from a swing state who fails to vote for the “no confidence” resolution will have a lot of explaining to do back home, and his vote can be used as a campaign issue against him. You’d better believe they’ll think that over. And there are already plenty of GOP defectors from the WH’s happy talk. Somehow I get a feeling they won’t close ranks behind the party man this time. If Bush had an ounce of sense, he’d ask for Gonzales’ resignation just to put a lid on the U.S. Attorney Scandal before the really damaging stuff starts to come out.
But Bush doesn’t have an ounce of sense. Not a gram, even.
Lots of regular folks on this blog. Meaning their bowel movements come at regular intervals, and dispose of their contents HERE.
I TYPE IN CAPS AS A SOP TO MY WINGNUT BRO YO (OLD-TIMERS HERE KNOW WHAT I MEAN). HE DOESN’T COME HERE HARDLY ANYMORE SO MAYBE I’LL STOP AND CHANGE MY HANDLE.
I JUST HEARD THE MOST WITHERING, BLISTERING TAKEDOWN OF THAT (AS PUDDYBUD PUTS IT) IDIOT PAUL WOLFOWITZ. IT CAME FROM A WOMAN WHO WORKED AT THE WORLD BANK. SHE WAS BEING INTERVIEWED BY THE BBC. I’LL DIG IT UP AND QUOTE SOME OF IT.
WHAT AN ARROGANT A-HOLE.
This is just how clueless Cluelessman is.
Cluelessman typed from his brain to his ass upto his hands and out through his fingers onto his keyboard displaying more worthless pixels: “I LIVE IN KC, OWN PROPERTY, HAVE MY MORTAGE COMPANY HANDLE MY PROPERTY TAXES AND DON’T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH KC’S SPENDING PRIORITIES.”
Cluelessman – you have a mortgage. The bank gives Cluelessman the right to a temporary, conditional pledge of property to Cluelessman, also known as the creditor, as security for performance of an obligation or repayment of a debt.
Stop paying that performance of an obligation and see what happens Cluelessman PROPERTY HE THINKS HE OWNS. See what happens when the KC jacks up your property taxes and you have to cough up mo $$$/ month. Then we’ll see crying and gnashing of teefs when he can’t buy his monthly allotment of Depends!
Wow: Just read Pelletman (was PelletHead aka Roger Rabbit) Stupidman (no definition needed) and Cluelessman (AKA #27) and enjoy their bowel movements!
#27 Change the nick back to Clueless, because you are what you are!
HEY PUDDYLIAR,
GOT A QUESTION FOR YOU. I HEARD A BENEDICTINE NUN TODAY ON THE RADIO. SHE SAID SHE PRAYED TO GOD FOR A FRENCH WOMAN TO COME TO HER CONVENT TO TEACH HER TO MAKE CHEESE. SHE COULDN’T DO IT ON HER OWN.
TWO DAYS LATER A YOUNG FRENCH WOMAN ARRIVED ON THE CONVENT’S DOORSTEP.
I JUST PRAYED TO GOD FOR HIM TO PERSUADE MTR TO PULL HIS HEAD OF HIS ASS AND PAY HIS FUCKING GAMBLING DEBT.
SHIT, WHY HASN’T MY PRAYER BEEN ANSWERED?
HEY PUDDYSTUPID,
I BOUGHT MY HOUSE IN ’92. IT’S NOW WORTH OVER TWICE THE PRICE I NEGOTIATED FOR IT.
IF YOU READ WHAT I SAID, I DON’T REALLY WANT ANY MORE PROPERTY TAX.
I WANT TAX REFORM WHICH WILL LOWER EVERYONE’S PROPERTY AND SALES TAX IN EXCHANGE FOR AN INCOME TAX.
SO F Y STUPID.
re 17: Why won’t you just, “chinga tu madre en quatro de julio”?
You know you want to.
re 17:“Are you afraid of actually debating the facts….” A fact is a fact. You can debate about the verity of the fact, but not about the fact itself. I’ve proved that nobody who worked as a firefighter from 1977 thru 1984 is denied ANYTHING from Medicare because they were a firefighter.
Give us a list – some names — some facts.
You’ll just be silent for a while and bleat the same bullshit a few days down the road.
Hey Darryl – If I remember correctly, you said you support The Breck Girl for president because you like his idea of “eliminating poverty”.
What is TBG’s plan? What do you think it should be?
Would you like to hear my plan? Mine works…
LET US PRAY,
GOD PLEASE INSTRUCT THE SPAWN OF THE DEVIL WHO CALLS HIMSELF MTR TO PULL HIS HEAD OUT OF HIS ASS AND PAY THE FUCKING GAMBLING DEBT HE OWES TO GOLDY.
AMEN.
Mark The Redneck @ 35
“Hey Darryl – If I remember correctly, you said you support The Breck Girl for president because you like his idea of “eliminating poverty”.”
You remember incorrectly. I’ve not offered support for any presidential candidate.
“Would you like to hear my plan? Mine works… “
No, I wouldn’t. The only thing I would actually like to hear from you is a realistic plan to pay off your $100 debt to Goldy.
I mean…I’m sure he would accept a time payment plan for a poor a redneck who can’t pay in one chunk….
Pat Robertson says Falwell dropped dead because he was too gay — and God hates gays — even though he created them.
great post, Darryl. this thread is a series of rubes.
Tinky Winky says bye-bye to Jerry Falwell
http://www.s alon.com/opinion/feature/2007/05/16/falwell_tinky/
The former TV star recalls the trauma of being called gay by the conservative preacher.
. . .
“Oh dear, it’s easy to say the wrong thing here,” he said. “Tinky Winky sad whenever someone dies, but …” He left it hanging there.”
. . .
Interesting read if you get a chance.
@27 Who are you, the toilet paper?
@28 “Yo” is a contraction of the word “yahoo” (as in “trailer park yahoo”) and is properly spelled Y’o. Like most wingnuts, Y’o can’t spell his own fucking name.
@29 Thanks for your exposition on property law, but you’re full of shit. The owner of the property is the borrower(s) whose name(s) appears on the Deed of Trust. The bank doesn’t own the property; it only has a security interest.
@30 I shit on your lawn tonight. What are you gonna do about it?
@35 Hey Redneck – if I remember correctly, you owe Goldy $100. Pay up, welsher!
@35 We know what YOUR poverty elimination plan is, deadbeat.
@37 Goldy probably would let him pay a nickel a day. It’s easy; all Redneck has to do is click on the Coulter ad every time he signs off.
Pelletman@43, where did I say the bank owns the property? Please tell me. Quotation or Citation will do.
Another case of the missing mind no matter, bowel movement from Pelletman.
Cluelessman: To pray to God and have it work you must BELIEVE in Him. Hasn’t John Barelli taught you anything? I realize your commentary on MTR is anecdotal but… even you should realize you pray to another god!
Cluelessman@32: Where did you buy your house in King County? Address please so I can see the neighborhood. I have some dingbat friends and they’ll need to move near you to feel at home.
PUDDYBUD: WHY SHOULD IT MATTER IF I BELIEVE IN HIM OR NOT? IF HE EXISTS ISN’T HE ABOVE HAVING HIS FEELINGS HURT BY ANYTHING THAT I MAY OR MAY NOT BELIEVE?
LIKE THE BENEDICTINE NUN, I’VE PRAYED FOR SOMETHING REALLY SIMPLE. SHOULD BE NO BIG DEAL.
ADDRESS? SORRY PUDDYFOOL – NO CAN DO.
Cluelessman: In the Bible it says all things come to him who believes.
Since you don’t YOU LOSE!
PUDDYSTUPID: I DON’T NEED ALL THINGS. I JUST PRAYED FOR A COUPLE THINGS.
harry,
How stupid are you? You have proven nothing.
Fact: Members of LEOFF 2 hired between October 1977 and 1984 were not enrolled in Medicare because they were eligible.
Fact: LEOFF 1 members (Hired prior to 1974) were not enrolled in Medicare because they have retiree medical paid for them throught the State.
FACT: LEOFF 2 Does NOT have retiree medical paid through anybody but ourselves.
FACT: Since LEOFF 2 members were ineligible for Medicare, they remained ineligible because the State Legislature NEVER fixed the original problem.
FACT: Contact the Washington State Council of Firefighters (www.wscff.org) or the LEOFF 2 Board (www.leoff.wa.gov). Both will verify what I have said.
As for names… do a public records search. Our employment history is a Public Record. Get off your ass and make a phone call. Then come crying back and admit that you were wrong.
LEOFF 2 HAS NO RETIREE MEDICAL. LEOFF 2 HAS MEMBERS THAT ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE. HARRY AND LUCY ARE IDIOTS.
All Facts.