In "More kids, pay less" (Forum, Feb. 10), Kelly Francis criticizes the Utah personal-exemption tax credit that "dictates that the more children you have, the less you pay to educate them."
Public education is a public good that we all support. Education is similar to all public services: police, fire 9-1-1 and public health. Support from all of us (whether or not we use the services) creates a better society for all of us. The child that we all educate may someday be the one that saves a Francis Kelly's diabetes.
The shopworn refrain that we should pay for public education based on the number of children in a family is totally illogical and irresponsible. Tax exemption deductions express society's values to create a higher quality of life for all, and education is the most important.
M. Donald Thomas Director, Public Education Support Group
Salt Lake City