Ben Chin has suggested a 3 percent additional tax on the rich people of Lewiston (those earning more than $200,000 per year) as a means of solving welfare woes.
Are those the small businesses that, after they have paid their employees and other expenses, are left with much less than their original gross income and would be taxed an additional 3 percent for their efforts?
Not a good way to attract new businesses to the community.
An article in the Sun Journal a few years ago suggested that approximately 4 percent of the highest wage earners in Lewiston live in Lewiston and pay taxes here.
The rest drive into Lewiston to make their money and drive back out at the end of their day. Medical doctors, lawyers, CEOs, college professors, etc., — most of them work for entities that do not pay taxes (hospitals, colleges, etc., that continue to buy up prime properties, further lowering the tax base).
Instead of taxing the 4 percent of professional people and businesses that support the community and have achieved some measure of success, Lewiston officials should create an environment and incentives that would attract those doctors, lawyers, CEOs and college professors who make their living in Lewiston but choose not to live here.
The city would then benefit from their participation in the schools, boards and City Council and enjoy a huge economic boost.
Penalizing those who have already supported the community is a huge mistake.
John Reeder, Lewiston
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