Government-run entities should know better

In reading “Sound Transit paid security firm $350,000 too much” [NWTuesdasy, Jan. 8], I was angered by the incompetence of these government-run entities.

I just received a notice from the Department of Licensing three days ago, that although I paid my renewal one of my vehicles (over six months ago), due to a system error, the RTA excise tax was not charged to me for Sound Transit. Perhaps they don’t need any more of our money if they would only learn to manage the dollars they already take in.

I am now faced with an additional $82 charge for my vehicle to cover this RTA tax. Who overplays anything by over a quarter of a million dollars? Stop the madness. Why can’t these entities understand what a successful profit-and-loss balance sheet should look like and run their businesses accordingly in lieu of sticking it to hardworking Americans. If you need more money, charge for fare; simple as that.

-- John A. Hargarten, Seattle