I find it absurd for the city to tax its property owners to buy housing for low-income residents. We rented and saved for years to be able to afford a house. No one chipped in to help and we are proud that we never asked for or received hand outs. We earned our place. That pride motivates us to continue to improve our home. Without that pride Bellingham will have squatters in tenaments who couldn't care less about their places and will always feel that those who provided their home should also maintain it (see Detroit). Maybe we should add a tax to provide heat, water/sewer, TV cable, internet and maid service for them, too. Those who are quoted by The Bellingham Herald are the ones who will benefit from this tax. I hope everyone noticed that 6.1 percent, or about $1.3 million, would be used for administrative costs. Give Habitat for Humanity a call and arrange to work for your home. Vote no on this tax.

Kon Lemperes

Bellingham