To the editor:

For the most part, whether for or against this tax increase Island Transit is asking for, I am reading articles and comments full of knee-jerk reactions, negativity, anger and me-first attitudes.

Isn’t this all about Whidbey Island and YOUR community? Let’s have a little hope, a little foresight, and try to understand the future potential of this small tax increase for Whidbey Island.

We all know our traffic can be freakishly out of control, especially around Oak Harbor. I have to pack two lunches when I go to work, one for lunch and the other for the trip home. If this tax increase is not passed for Island Transit, this will become an even bigger issue in the years to come. If it doesn’t pass, I’m saving up to buy a helicopter.

Yep, the economy is bad, but improving, revenue is stagnant and the lack of tourism is affecting local businesses. Why? Not because of Island Transit. They are doing their part by bringing people to the island. There are many reasons why the economy stinks, but I would not make it worse by putting a noose around Island Transit’s neck, either.

By voting “no” to Island Transit’s request for a sales tax increase, you are voting YES to increased traffic issues and pollution, you are voting YES to decreased tourist activity and income (they don’t like the long ferry waits either), you are voting YES to increased unemployment and decreased local spending in the community, you are voting YES to increased property taxes for road maintenance and you are voting YES to increased frustration for yourself getting on, off and around this island.

Island Transit personnel have explained that charging a fare for its service is not a viable option. It would simply cost too much money with zero financial gains to the budget. Island Transit doesn’t have the budget to keep its current service, so it certainly doesn’t have the money to spend on the increased personnel and equipment it would take to charge fares.

Ads on the buses may not be a bad idea, but would that even help? Ads alone will not pay for supporting Island Transit as it is currently running and would, again, cost money to implement.

Island Transit has asked for the last possible tax increase it is entitled to. That’s it — no more.

Island Transit cannot keep asking you for money. They are asking you for help right now to continue service as it is.

Are keeping a few pennies right now worth the negative impact that cutting Island Transit service will have on your community? Yes, those cents add up, but not as quickly as the 50-cent tip some of us leave for each latte. Chances are, you have more pennies in a jar on your shelf than you’d pay for this tax increase in the next year.

I do not believe Island Transit is being negligent in handling its money. It’s been running efficiently for 20 years — that should tell you something. Island Transit is asking for a yes vote after acknowledging it cannot continue providing the services it does.

Island Transit knows it’s time to cut back. It is simply asking for your help to keep service running smoothly and to keep YOUR community thriving. Have a little faith and VOTE YES!

Oops, gotta go. I have a bus to catch.

Vote yes on Aug. 18.

Cheryl Ude

Greenbank