Since Reps. Redfield and Burnett wrote in (Chronicle, Nov. 7) claiming tourists are already paying their fair share of taxes, they need to keep a few things in mind.

They seem very dismayed that any more taxes (as well as some that we already have) are unfair to tourists, claiming they pay for things they don't use.

They state that $15 of a $500 hotel bill mostly goes to taxes that pay for schools and is unfair since tourists don't use our schools. Why do they not show similar outrage by backing local property owners in the same boat? My recent property tax statement shows that 56% of my taxes go toward schools. If that is typical for all property owners in the area, isn't it unfair for those that have no children in the education system to be paying for something they don't use?

As one who's traveled for work to other tourist meccas like Las Vegas and Orlando, I have firsthand experience with high tourist taxes. In Vegas, the tax on hotel rooms is above 13%. The bill for a recent five-day economy car rental in Orlando added 25% in taxes and fees.

Those places are always crowded. People don't, and won't, stop going there because of high taxes. They won't stop coming here if we enact a tourist tax.

Also, if Redfield and Burnett are so concerned about fairness, why aren't they screaming from atop the Bridger’s about our tax increases that are going to pay for all the growth that doesn't pay for itself?

If it really is all about fairness, then pass the tourist tax and earmark it for infrastructure and other things the tourists use. See how it goes before enacting a state-wide sales tax.

Dave Divis