On May 24, 2010, the King County Council will vote whether to put a sales tax increase on the August primary ballot. King County Executive Dow Constantine has proposed an increase of two-tenths of a percent in the sales tax to close the budget gap of $60 million next year.

Constantine, King County Sheriff Sue Rahr and Superior Court Presiding Judge Bruce Hilyer all try to influence us by warning of horrific reductions in public health and safety agencies and programs unless the sales tax increase is approved. Such scare tactics have been used by officials at all levels of government for years.

King County does not deserve a sales tax increase. On Nov. 09, 2009, the King County Council, with the full support and at the urging of then-councilmember Constantine, passed a resolution making King County a “sanctuary” county. By definition, the county agreed to look the other way and not force federal immigration laws and provide medical treatment without regard to alien status. This was an open invitation for illegal aliens to come to King County.

The impact of illegal aliens residing in King County is apparent, just like that of any other segment of our society. A certain number have and will use county medical facilities at no cost to themselves, only to the taxpayer. And, a certain percentage will engage in identity theft by misuse of Social Security numbers for employment, in gang-related conduct, drug-related conduct and other criminal activity. All at a cost to county taxpayers. How ironic Constantine now wants to increase our taxes to pay for the costs caused by those illegal aliens he and the council invited here. How stupid does he think we are?

King County does not deserve more of our tax dollars unless and until it does everything possible to contain costs. This must include revoking the “sanctuary” resolution, enforcing all immigration laws and denying non-emergency medical treatment to illegal aliens. We taxpayers must live within our income and resource limits; it is high time King County does the same.

George A. Jackson, Federal Way