Taxation Without Representation was a powerful slogan heard often back in 1760 in Colonial America. It was the main cause of the American Revolution. In the 41 years I’ve lived in Eastern Santa Cruz County I’ve experienced the same helpless feeling that high property taxes are collected, but we get nothing in return; few road repairs, poor law enforcement response, no parks, no playgrounds or walking and bike paths. Not even a public restroom or trash can for the tourists that our county government craves. As many know, it was a struggle just to keep the Justice Court in Sonoita. They did not listen then, and once again they are tone deaf to our community.
It came as no surprise when Santa Cruz County decided that destroying the historic Elgin Bridge was the cheaper option despite many in the community opposing the plan. We had hoped that finally Elgin would get something for all the property taxes we pay. We asked the county to preserve our historic 1922 bridge and turn the small patch of asphalt roadway approaching the bridge into a small park with signboards on Elgin history and buildings. The County is getting millions of dollars from the federal government to pay for the new bridge, but our county doesn’t want to spend a penny out of their pocket to preserve a beloved landmark cherished by the community.
Our county has built parks, playgrounds, walking paths and trails, but all are in other communities far from us. They have Calabasas Park, Damon Park, Kino Springs Trail, Sgt. Tapia recreational trail, DeSteffano Pathway (4 phases of improvements).
The county has met much opposition from residents when they have tried to push development and tourism. Rarely does the county listen. They do as they please as long as they can tap into more money. Just like with the bridge funding, they constantly seek grants, federal funding and any other sources of “free money.” But, it is not free, it is our hard-earned tax dollars.
Taking tax dollars without even allowing residents to voice their opinions on their community’s future is taxation without representation. We need to hold our elected officials and county management responsible for their actions and lack of listening. Our nation was created on the belief that the government works for the people. Do we need to remind them that they work for us, not themselves?
Sue Downing
Elgin