The election is over, the ballots counted, and Proposition 1 (Veterans and Homeless levy) was rejected.

The “lessons learned” are:

– Don’t propose a tax for an effort that does not clearly belong to government.

– Make sure to define the specific need and the manner in which the tax dollars will be spent before asking for money. No surprise there.

Having rejected government-operated service for the indigent, the people of Kitsap still must face the reality of problems associated with homelessness and those living in temporary shelters. The problem is real. It cannot solve itself. It is up to we who are able to support those in need. Life happens and things don’t always work out the way they are supposed to. Now it’s our time to stand up and make the difference.

About 73,000 people voted on the levy. Of that number, about 29,000 voted for the levy and 44,000 voted against. Let’s put some real teeth behind those votes and make appropriate charitable donations to get the job done.

Since the levy was for six years and “in addition to” existing charitable donation intentions, we should use the same criteria. Donations should go directly to Salvation Army Sally’s Camp, Coffee Oasis Teen Shelter, or to the United Way and should be designated for “homeless and indigent support.”

Since those who voted in favor of Prop. 1 were willing to pay their “share” and obligate their neighbors to do the same, they get to put up $25 a year (total of about $725,000). The “against” voters get to pony up the $12.50 they avoided in tax (another $550,000).

Combined, the donations will approach $1.275 million, all of which goes directly to fix the problem while none goes to government. Pledges and donations are on the “honor system.” I expect we will all do our part.

Our direct donations will cover the immediate need for homeless and indigent persons. The County Commission needs to step up for veterans.

The law establishing the Veterans Assistance Fund provides that the fund shall address the needs of local indigent veterans and their families. The responsibility to properly allocate tax revenues to the fund is a question of priorities. Perhaps the commissioners could reconsider the relative importance of “androgynous” fish, high-density housing, and extensive shoreline and wetland buffers, as opposed to taking care of those who served.

Strong vocal input from voters might help them make the correct decision. We can express our opinion in writing and at the ballot box.

This community support effort can make us all winners if we are willing to take on the challenge and demonstrate that, as citizens, we can do the job ourselves and we don’t need government in the way. The question is, are you as willing to help solve a problem and send in that check as you were to send in your ballot?

Now is the time to answer “Yes.”

— Jack Hamilton is chairman of the Kitsap County Republican Party.