Editor:

The letter from Zell Dabelich of Brentwood is well written and accurate in the assessment of the Rental Inspection Program in Antioch and Brentwood. It is an illegal method of taxing landlords and homeowners. A tax of this type should be put to a vote on those affected.

I strongly objected to this tax when it was brought before the City Council in Antioch. Of course, the council members are intent on taxing the citizens of these communities under the guise of a quality-of-life program.

This tax will be a burden on the already overtaxed property owners. Renters will also be affected since rents must go up to pay for the new improvements to qualify the rented units. The quality of life for homeowners and renters will diminish under this program.

Objecting to this tax by writing letters and speaking at council meetings is an ineffective way to handle this problem. The councils will not reconsider this tax unless citizens form a group to fight this program. The tax-fighting organization in Antioch and Brentwood should lead the fight to legally challenge this rental inspection tax. Citizens should consider joining organizations that oppose this type of tax, which is placed on us without homeowners' and renters' votes.

Joseph T. Zamora

Antioch