Letters to the editor for Jan. 15
Thurston County courthouse plan is flawed
At a cost of a 38.5% property tax increase, do we really need a new courthouse? This is a 25-year commitment for current property owners and the next generation. If you rent and the landlord’s tax increases, so will your rent.
The present courthouse can be renovated at a much lower cost and include a parking garage. Why are the County Commissioners pushing so hard for a new courthouse? Good question.
The county has not properly maintained the current courthouse which explains the need for renovation. This point was raised at the October 2019 public hearing.
Be aware that if the new property tax is implemented and if for some reason the building of a new courthouse is proven infeasible, the tax increase will not be removed. No, it will go into the county’s general fund. There is no sunset clause in the ordinance declaring a date when the tax will be removed.
Developer John Driebeck, who built the current courthouse, says the foundation supports a multi-story high-rise, there is no height restrictions on this county property, parking could be provided on lower floors, or a parking garage could be supported at the current site at a much lower cost.
Get involved, people!
Vets benefits
This is in rebuttal to Dan Kuykendall’s letter slamming the military retirement system. I am retired Air Force since 1979. I signed up for Madigan to be my provider. I was assigned a primary physician, and I have nothing but high praise for the care I have received over the years.
It does not seem like Mr. Kuykendall is versed on Tricare as he tried to sign up with Kaiser Permanente. I have Tricare for Life and Medicare and I pay nothing for my care, in house or on the outside.
The retirement system has never covered optical but there is a giant company in town that will do an eye exam for $75 and an wonderful optical department for frames and lenses, or if you prefer you can take the exam results to any optician.
If you sign up for Tricare for Life and have your Medicare card, you do not need the VA .With Tricare and Medicare, you are covered 100%.
I wouldn’t trade Tricare for anything.There is also a dental program available through the retirement system.