News article about cost of prison and drunk drivers. If you didn't read the news article in the preceding link, please do. It affects every taxpayer in the city and the county.
I cannot express the grief that my son, our family and Jenn and Sophia and Courtney's friends and students have suffered since their death at the hand of a drunk that should never have been driving a vehicle that horrible day. Would it surprise you to know that upon reading that news article that I felt a twinge of shame? It is a double edged legacy that the Bukosky family name will be remembered for. The good edge is that lives of people will likely be saved. One of those lives could be you or someone you know. The bad edge is the cost of dealing with those refusing to drink responsibly.
I've written several blogs about being proactive. In one I expressed my frustration about people not picking up the cause of pro-activeness. So be it. However, I do not feel that you or I or any taxpayer should have to pay for more jail space or people to deal with the irresponsible drinkers. We've already created a precedent of dealing with smokers and the source of their addiction. Heavy taxes on cigarettes. Is the answer to further tax beer and alcohol? Perhaps, but it needs to be looked at further.
We read articles and news reports about drunk drivers. How often do we learn "the rest of the story"? Where did these criminal do their drinking? At home? At a tavern? At a restaurant? I challenge news reporters to ferret out that information. It will help formulate a tax relief policy of who should pay for dealing with drunk drivers. Where does the source of the problem begin? Taverns? Gas stations? Liquor stores? Restaurants? Should the offending type of establishments pay a much higher license fee? A special tax? Should they be shut down entirely if they sold product to a drunk?
I will begin the ante by suggesting a $1 per ounce tax increase on distilled liquors, 25 cents per ounce of wine and 5 cents per ounce of beer and ale products. The proceeds go for paying for increased jail space, enforcement officers and courts.
Never forget.
