Dear Editor:

I am writing to you about putting a larger tax on hotel customers; is this a never-ending tax?

Does Downey need the tax money? I think not. Councilman Trujillo said we had a surplus and was wondering if we should use some of the money to erect a statue of Karen and Richard Carpenter. Then the City Council thought it was a good use of the surplus tax money to pay a public relations firm $123,250 to come to Downey to convince us that we needed to increase the hotel tax. Then the city council decided we could use some of the money to have a two-day Gay Pride parade, costing the tax payers $25,000. This is the second year for this.

Were the tax payers asked if this is how they want their money spent? What did this group do to deserve this money?

I’m suggesting that the city council revisit this and decide not to tax hotels more until the city needs the money. I’m asking everyone reading this to vote no. Now is the time for people to speak up.

Marilyn Madru

Downey