Willing to pay
A recent front-page item in the Record-Eagle noted that Michigan has the most generous tax breaks for seniors in the United States -- more than twice as much as second-place Kentucky. According to the article this costs the state $1 billion a year.
But the article suggested that any change would be unlikely, given the political clout of older voters.
If true, this is a shame. Our state needs the money badly.
We have already seen major cuts in funding to schools, the end of the Promise scholarship program, increases in college tuition, and the loss of other state services. I think many seniors are not comfortable with the idea that their grandchildren are being shortchanged while grandpa and grandma get a free ride from the state.
Of course low- and middle-income seniors who are having a hard time making ends meet should not have their taxes increased.
According to Michigan State University economics professor Charles Ballard, Michigan has one of the highest tax rates on the working poor and one of the lowest on the wealthy.
This is a trend that should be reversed. But I think seniors who are comfortably off are willing to pay their fair share.
Barbara Abbott
Lake Leelanau
Don't blow opportunity
I am a fan of both the Wharton Center and the Traverse City Opera House and I am disgusted and saddened that the people, who see a bogey-man behind every bush, have come out of the woodwork against this idea.
This idea has been public knowledge for some time with no secrets and lots of public input.
This is a great deal for Traverse City and can only make a great venue even better. I have known and worked with the management of the Wharton Center since it opened.
It is without a doubt one of the best things that has happened to East Lansing and Michigan State University in 45 years.
Please don't blow this opportunity.
Robert Adler
Laingsburg/Traverse City
