My ballot for the Feb. 13 special election for the Valley Regional Fire Authority went straight into the trash can.

A yes vote allows a charge to continue but it won’t exceed 60 percent of the operating budget. If the budget doubles, my tax doubles.

A no vote allows a new tax to be imposed.

I usually support our firemen and emergency response professionals, but this is no choice. It’s like choosing between beings spanked with a black belt as opposed to a brown belt.

Not voting saves me 50 cents on a stamp. It might pay the sales tax on a cup of coffee.

– Dennis Doucette