Tribal taxes on reservation

I applaud Bruce Elliot for his insightful and accurate description of the unfair and, most likely, unconstitutional Tribal taxation of Reservation residents. We in Shelter Bay are at the mercy of the Tribe. They tax us on our property, but do not allow us any say on how it is spent. We have no representation on the Tribal Senate or within the Tribal administration.

Why the Shelter Bay board of directors allows this taxation of its constituency without insisting that we be fairly represented in determining how and where these tax dollars are distributed is beyond me. It is very disturbing that our board of directors seem unconcerned with this situation. They seem afraid of confrontation with the Tribe.

I recently received my ballot for La Conner Schools funding. I am not voting because I feel it unfair for me to vote on a taxation issue that does not affect me. Yes, the Tribe does “contribute” monies to the school district from their unilateral taxation of us in Shelter Bay, but only at their discretion, and without any consultation with their taxpayers.

Jim Reeves