On Friday like most people, I was following the horrendous and heartbreaking events happening in Japan. I said to my friend, “I’m going to send the Red Cross $50.” I know it’s not much, but I can afford it because I’m giving up all sweets, including sugar for my tea, for Lent.

Later that afternoon, I received a brochure encouraging me to vote yes for the District 208 tax increase.

One of the selling points is that it only adds up to $1.15 a day. I wonder why didn’t they print that it only comes to $419.75 a year instead?

As a senior living on Social Security and my meager savings, I have had to cut down on all my non-essential expenditures while my essential expenses have gone up. I have sent my paltry $50 to the Red Cross for Japan, even though I may need it later if this high-priced increase passes. Even if I have to crawl, I will be at the polls voting no on April 5.

Carol A. Dillon
North Riverside