Originally Posted By: AuntyM
Quote:
Back when Gary Locke was Gov, everyone pissed and moaned about having to pay TAXES to support our State Parks and boat ramps and Wildlife agencies and in a fit of populist conservativism, the state changed to a user fee system.


Sorry, but you got that wrong. We had the same kind of budget issues then, just not as bad. Locke was the driver behind the State Park user fees that failed to solve the problem then, just like it will now. Did you bother to think about how a private entity can own and operate a campground and make a PROFIT when they only charge a dollar or two more than the state does? Maybe the "too numerous" state park workers make too much and get too many benefits? MAYBE the operation should be contracted out?

The convoluted taxing schemes coming out of Olympia are what piss people off. When state budgets prioritize art in the park and fancy freeway landscaping, while trying to avoid funding public schools, they set themselves up for a distrusting public backlash.



Why the hell would I want a private company to make a profit off something I, as a citizen, partly own?

I'd rather my fees and taxes go into the pockets of local workers with full bennies who will in turn spend it locally than get bundled off as profit into some offshore account a la Walmart.