What an incredible can of worms (“Vancouver moves toward expanding developer tax break to more parts of the city,” The Columbian, June 27). I found many points in this article very troubling. First, the mayor saying it’s the first time she had seen the proposal. This is unsettling to say the very least for a very important proposal. Second, the “confusing nature of the maps of the proposed areas” by city staff. How specifically, with dates and clarity, was the staff directed? I did some basic research today. If one was to buy a house in the Mill Plain 98663 ZIP code the median income is $68,770. With $10,000 down at a 6 percent mortgage rate, the maximum house you can afford, according to BankRate.com, is $287,000 and I didn’t see a single house in that area on Realtor.com for that price.

I will acknowledge there are a huge number of variables. However, I think this research needs to be done by the city before acting any further. What I strongly hope is the specific data will be demanded by the city prior to any further action on this proposed tax break. All too often the city, state, and federal governments make decisions without specific valid information and then act without implementing specific accountability.