Editor, the News-Herald:

Gov. Mark R. Warner’s tax proposal for the tenfold increase on cigarette taxes is unfair and unjust. If these tax proposals are to benefit all Virginians, then all Virginians should pay their fair share, not just one segment of the population. The one and a half million of us who choose to smoke should not have to pay extra taxes to support those who choose not to smoke. Smokers already pay state and local tobacco taxes and then sales tax on top of that.

If more taxes are needed to be used for the benefit of all Virginians, may I suggest a 5-cent tax on toilet tissue. These taxes will surely have everyone in Virginia paying their fair share and not just us smokers.

William H. Harward

Manning Road

Suffolk