We need an income tax to pay for basic services. Here is just a sample of what I consider basic services: getting roads plowed in our neighborhoods and having snow removed in our cul-de-sacs and sidewalks on a timely basis; enable schools to provide basic school supplies and not ask parents to buy $150 of supplies at the start of the school year; build and repair roads and bridges in the summertime; provide public transportation. Improved library services and enhanced funding for colleges to maintain and grow its programming. Let's attract talent! This is what makes a place livable. And these expenses are just for the cities. The people off the road system have their own needs that also must be provided for. A graduated income tax is fair. A sales tax is not -- a single mother making $20,000 a year feels a 5% (or whatever percent) tax on a purchase a lot more than someone making $60,000 a year. We used to have an income tax and a school tax, and no dividend. The free ride is over.