To the Journal editor:

I’m writing regarding the upcoming election and the proposed millage to support veteran services with a property tax. A recent flyer in The Mining Journal asks, “What will it cost me?” My question is: Do we need it?

Let me first disclose my bias in support of veterans. My father was a 22+ year career Coast Guardsman who served a tour in Viet Nam, and he died 6 years after retiring from cancers caused, in part, from exposures related to his Viet Nam service.

My grandfather was a U.S. Navy veteran who was well cared for during his final years at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans. I strongly believe that our veterans have sacrificed for us, and deserve the best care possible.

Through my mother’s experiences as a military widow in need of services, and in helping to access services for my grandfather, I’ve become aware that there is a full-time position, paid for by state funds, that already provides services to Marquette County veterans.

The person currently holding this office is well-trained, with access to appropriate resources, willing and able to assist veterans and their families. This office is located at the Jacobetti Veteran’s Facility for easy access.

There is a second full-time position, paid for by the VFW, providing many of these services. It, too, is located at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans.

On those days when it is unmanned, the officer is providing outreach to veterans county-wide. In addition, a free transportation service to medical appointments (including Iron Mountain) is offered through volunteer coordination and drivers.

Perhaps, as the recent flyer states, the annual cost per homeowner will only be $2.50 to $10. For 100 percent disabled veterans who pay no property taxes, this isn’t an issue.

For veterans whose disability is less than 100 percent (paying property taxes) this millage may cause them financial hardship on already-tight budgets.

Back to my question, “Do we need it?” The flyer states we’ll have a service provided at a single location – we have that. It will provide transportation – we have that.

The funding stays in Marquette County – we have that, in a position paid for with state funds that services veterans of Marquette County, and at no additional cost to local veterans and taxpayers.

Yes, I support veterans but no, I don’t support paying for redundant services. Let’s use our tax dollars more wisely.

Susan Syria

Marquette