Just got my ballot in the mail. Surprised to see arguments four-to-one in favor of upping the tax first to 10 percent then to 10.4 percent in only a single measure, Measure 9-94. Curious at the lopsidedness, I read them. Most were quick to assure me that I’d not be paying the tax, it would be paid by guests to my town. You bet, as a host of my own home I’m always open to a way to stick it to those I invite. But the gem that really caught my attention was what a group involved in various arts and cultural programs had to say: “Across Oregon and surrounding states there are 47.5 million travelers who consider themselves cultural tourists — Measure 9-94 will bring them to Bend.” Really? I can hear them all now, “Quick, Honey, pack up the kids. Bend just raised their tax on hotel stays. Let’s go!”

Ross Flavel

Bend