I was under the obviously mistaken impression that America was a democracy and that free speech was an inherent right in our Constitution.

There are a great many of us who strongly oppose the 20 percent tax grab and have exercised our right to put up signs asking people to vote no. I am horrified that others have taken down and thrown away our signs. Not only is this reprehensible and reeks of totalitarianism, but is a cowardly and criminal act.

We have just as much right to our opinion as do those who support the increase. We do not oppose a tax increase, per se, but we do oppose a 20 percent increase and the manner in which it is being thrust upon us.

My wife and I have lived in Fountain Hills since 2004 and absolutely love it here. We think that Fountain Hills is the Valley’s undiscovered gem and has a great future. I am personally working virtually full-time voluntarily, and am investing substantially more than what my own property tax increase would be to help the town grow and to make it an even better place.

I dispute the arguments the yes side is making but I do not go around stealing their signs. I wish others had the same principles.