STOP ASKING FOR MONEY

It's amazing how local, state and federal government cannot manage a budget
without "digging" into hardworking taxpayers' pockets. The Winston-Salem
aldermen and mayor are no exception. The recent proposed vehicle tax is a
farce. Let me make some suggestions for increased revenue.

Increase all fines for traffic violations, especially repeat offenders.
Drastically increase fines for drug and alcohol convictions, mostly on drug
dealers. Charge a fee for all immigrants seeking residence in the United
States (charge the individual, not some in-state agency). Look at some
possibilities for cutting back on political expenses (charity begins at
home). Quit trying to invent costly projects and trying to keep up with the
Joneses. Seek and encourage hardworking and honest taxpayers to make
suggestions. Stop paying out funds to freeloaders who are able to work.

I encourage anyone reading this to make his local, state and federal
elected officials know how he feels about this situation. If enough people
speak out, maybe we might get the attention we deserve.

JIM LEONARD

Lexington.