To the editor:

Island Transit is in need of your help. Due to the economic downturn, sales-tax revenues are down, and Island Transit gets the majority of its operating expenses from sales taxes in Island County. On the Aug. 18 primary ballot there will be a request of the voters to increase the sales tax in Island County three-tenths of 1 percent to fund transit (3 cents on a $10 purchase).

Island Transit is run financially conservatively and normally has reserves to cover economic fluctuations, such as fuel-price increases and recessions. We weathered the fuel-price increases of May 2007 to August 2008, the increases in ridership and the recession to this point because of this.

But because of the length and depth of this recession, our reserves are depleted and our income from sale taxes is less than our operating expenses.

This is a request for a small increase in sales taxes; it is not a property tax increase.

This is for operating expenses only, not for new buses or new buildings, just to keep our operating expenses in the black. Because we cannot run in the red, if the voters decide against this request, we will be forced to cut back our operating budget to equal our reduced income (approximately one-third), which means cuts in service and layoffs of employees.

We realize that the timing of this request is far from good; however, we have no choice if we are to continue our current level of service. It is now up to you the voter. Do you want to continue Island Transit’s service at its current level, when it is needed more than ever? Please vote for transit.

Mike Ankeny

Clinton