"How much would be fair to pay in income taxes?"
(asked at the Bothell Regional Library on 04-10-97; published in the EJ on 04-13-97)

Andy McClung, Reference librarian, Seattle


"I think 20% is reasonable because over the course of our lifetimes, we'll probably see some return of that input... I'd like to see it go to social services agencies and education. Primarily education. And public libraries! ... I think an awful lot of waste can be found in research."

Mike Begeman, Software engineer, Mukilteo


"Well, I would say anywhere from 20 to 25%. I pay 33% total, including social security, and I'm in favor of a flat-rate tax structure. Definitely. It seems fairer. It would simplify things, and it would get rid of some of the bureaucracy... I would like to see the entitlement type programs cut more. And as far as where I'd like my taxes to go? Disaster funds."

Melissa Dunn, Software development group mgr., Woodinville


"I would have to say if you go along the lines of a flat tax, it would probably be fairer. The percentage of flat tax would be a matter of finding out the numbers so I wouldn't want to speak off the cuff... As a single parent, the rate now seems to be stiff -- it seems a lot of money leaves your paycheck. But I don't object. If you think about how much U.S. citizens pay in taxes compared to other countries, we have nothing to whine about."

Maryanne Shurtz, Library volunteer and retiree, Bothell


"I can answer that: 10%. Across the board. Just like church tithing. And everybody pays their fair share, though some don't think so. I understand it, when you look at what some people have, and then there are those who are just barely making it. And the ones who make the most find the most ways to pay less -- they gouge more. But if everybody pays 10% across the board, it would probably balance out."

Mike Albertson, Assistant Special Ed teacher, Bothell


"Oh, I think probably 5% would be a fair estimate. I think if everyone would pay 5%, it would bring in enough revenue to support whatever the government needs to run its programs. I think there's a large number of people who don't pay their share... I don't know that much about a flat rate tax to say that would be fair, but I would rather see income taxes based on your salary or income."

Kimberly Jensen, Chiropractic assistant, Lynnwood


"I think it should be 7%. Cut-dried. Everybody pays on what they make. And so the rich people can pay, too. If the rich people paid their portion, I think it would be a lot more even. They have too many things they can take off. And then you have the hardworking stiff. I think 7 to 10%. Pay it on your gross. Yeah."

© 1997 by the Bellevue, WA-based Eastside Journal (née Journal American) newspaper.

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