Commentary by Samuel Strait – June 9, 2022 For the past several days, I have been out and about collecting signatures in order to put Measure "R" to the test in November. It has been most entertaining and a very good time was had in a kaleidoscope of people from places far and wide. While the intent was to collect the signatures of the local voting public, friendly people from all over the United States and some parts of the greater world have chosen Crescent City as one of the places to visit and in some cases spend time and money. Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Florida, and Colorado were just a few of the States represented. Smiling, happy people who are enjoying the beautiful place we call home. Some enjoying the rain on Saturday, others the fog and wind swept beaches and even the sun which has graced Del Norte County every now and then through today. But back to the business at hand, collecting signatures to place on the ballot in November a repeal of Measure "R", the 1% sales tax which has many locals searching for extra dollars only too happy to join a growing chorus of displeasure over local government spending what few dollars they have to hire expensive employees and not provide the services that are actually needed. Talking with the soon-to-be-homeless down at the harbor, a small business owner struggling to keep prices down as sales tax increases are sending customers fleeing to Oregon, and in one particular case bed tax paid to the County, City and the Harbor adding to the burden of those that provide places to stay for visitors. Most have to live within their means. They cannot demand their neighbors aid them financially. None of these folks have the luxury of living on six figure salaries, nor can they say one thing and do another. Still inspite of their troubles they tend to be a friendly lot mixing with those that for what ever reason are happy for local government to take what little they have. On the other side of the coin, clearly those that work for government and fear they may have to do with less after November should the local voters deem they have not measured up to promises made, and bait and switch routines reveal that the nearly a $200 million 2022-2023 budget is clearly enough to provide the necessary services that seemed to be lacking. Funny how a few of the County's work force can find time in the middle of a work day to shop at Walmart and be rude and condescending at the same time. Might just be why the level of service could see some improvement before hiring extra workers. In any event, collecting signatures allowed me to reconnect with many friends and acquaintances that in some cases I have not seen in awhile. It also allowed for time to make new friends with a few visitors who were curious about what was happening in our world. Walmart is a true melting pot that attracts shoppers from a broad range folks, not only locals, but those from other countries as well. It is a phenomena that is hard to explain, but never the less can be addictive. Very often the same faces stop by with their greetings and well wishes very definitely appreciated. From the door greeters, to the jobber, and even the man that chases carts all day soon become well recognized over the course of the day. An experience not to be missed. Nevertheless, the gathering of signatures was a task that was met with success and the repeal of Measure "R" will appear on the ballot in November. Thanks to those that think local government already has enough of their money. It will now become a test for the voters to determine its fate. Keeping in mind that despite all the "good" intentions of providing a better level of service by local government, most of us are still waiting for those benefits. Some are wishing they had that money taken by tax was back in their pockets. For money, as the old adage says, "does not grow on trees" mythically doing good work or adding unnecessary programs as local government claims is "for our benefit.