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For what it's worth, rjbphoto has responded to most of the anti-tax measures.  Is (s)he on staff with the campaign?

posted 3 years, 3 months ago
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@rjbphoto  I'm sorry to hear that you're work weeks have been cut to the bone.  The good news is that you have the option of picking up some hours on the weekend or in the evenings.  I know the job market is tough, but you've gotta do what it takes to pay the bills.

When you run a small business, it's a different story.  I can't even consider looking for another job.  Like most business owners, I took great risks to get to this point and failure really isn't a financially viable option.  Three years from now, I  expect to be making good money and paying taxes based on my success.  But I'm not there yet.  For now, there's always plenty of marketing and maintenance to do if I don't have enough production work. I work about 50-60 hours a week to make my 20K a year.  I'd work more but I stay home with my toddler some days so that my wife can work to make ends meet. 

My dad was a teacher for most of his career, and I remember the fear that was instilled in us every time a tax measure came up for a vote.  I'm not a detractor of public schools.

The point here isn't about comparing incomes or arguing about the funding levels of schools.  It's about voting down a law that takes money away from struggling families.  Vote your heart on measure 66, but those of us who are working our tails off to try to achieve our dreams urge you to vote no on 67.  

posted 3 years, 3 months ago
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After years of planning, I got my cabinet shop up and running in December of 2007--the same month the recession started.  I managed to pay myself about $20,000 last year.  But if you subtract the additional debt I incurred, it's more like $15,000.  Under measure 67, I will pay more taxes.  Yes, it's only $150, but that's $150 that I can't take home to my family.

In the advertising, you never hear about the micro-businesses like mine.  Maybe that's because we don't have a union or an association.  We're just scratching and clawing, trying to make it through this downturn so that we'll be able to grow when things get better.

I work very hard and I put in long hours because I'm confident that I have a viable business idea and someday I hope to have full-time family wage employees.  But for now, I'm not making much money and I resent being called rich.

If you're in favor of measure 67, and you're able to pay your bills, why not consider giving a struggling small business owner a check for $150?  I guarantee that such a gesture would be a great encouragement, and might even prevent a sleepless night.

I'll let the truly wealthy people wage their own battle, but I urge you to vote no on measure 67.

posted 3 years, 4 months ago
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