Dear Editor - Snohomish Times Newspaper,
Hans Dunshee is one of the prime sponsors of HB2650/Section 11 which would take the tax revenue which was added to the regular sales tax and was to be used for the promotion of tourism, hosting events to entice visitors and operating tourism facilities such as the Snohomish County Visitor Information Bureau which runs the Visitor Center for the City of Snohomish.

These funds which were designed to promote tourism in the State of Washington would be diverted to the general fund of the State of Washington. The lodging and tourism related businesses such as restaurants have been greatly affected by the down turn in the economy by as much as 40%.

It does not make sense to take away a tax base that was designed to promote these businesses and the jobs they create when their very existence is threatened. Moreover, failure to use this tax base for tourism promotions directly affect many small non-profit organizations such as art galleries, performance and sporting events who are funded from this tax source.

It directly affects Snohomish by taking away needed funds for organizations like the Historical Downtown Association, Snohomish Historical Society, Arts of Snohomish and many events such as Ground frog Day, Kla Ha Ya Days and other festivals and events.

Write or call Hans Dunshee and tell him to stop this tax diversion. The follow-out affect to the State of Washington business economy and jobs would be great. Tell Dunshee to cut expenditures and/or find other revenue sources.

Sandy Countryman
119 Cedar Ave Snohomish, WA 98290
360-568-9622