Some taxpayers carry lighter load than others
Much too much has been said and no action taken about taxes, except to continue to raise them on the people who pay the most, i.e., the property owners. It’s about time our elected representatives stopped running for re-election and did what is their responsibility — to meet the expenses of our government through equal and reasonable taxation — and to stop laying it on one group of citizens.
Being that the many bonds were passed and a small way to pay for them was defeated, I suggest the following to spread the responsibility:
Establish a per-capita tax for all to share the load and take some of the burden off the property owner. But, you say, “That would hurt those who least can afford to pay.” True. However, exceptions can be made through the establishment of an income ceiling, and those who can prove they can’t afford it, don’t pay it.
It’s time to do what is right and fair for the majority of our citizens. For some, the free ride should be over.
Paul J. Smith
Greensboro
Comments (11)
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To Editor Allen Johnson:
Why does the News & Record continue to perpetuate these lies? Renters DO pay property tax in the form of increased rents. By continuing to print these LTEs claiming otherwise you are intentionally spreading lies and showing bias in reporting.
I'm very disappointed that the N&R isn't capable of reporting the truth even in the simplest of matters and wonder if we can trust anything you put in print.
And to hide behind the fact that LTEs are opinion and nothing more is a thinly veiled attempt to continue the lies. Even LTEs should be fact checked.
Posted on June 3, 2008 6:40 AM
For anyone in government who's confused . . . I have a small tax office, that set up shop about 20 years ago IN MY BUTT and they haven't stopped collecting, taxing and expanding . . .
I believe they think I poop money . . .
Posted on June 3, 2008 10:39 AM
"Renters DO pay property tax in the form of increased rents"
Bullshit. Okay, maybe not but PROVE IT!!
Landlords pay property tax. They may or may not pass that along to renters.
Here's a true example. A house I rented for $550 a month 5 years ago now rents for $350 a month.
Also consider that property tax has increased at least 4 of those years.
The only people we know FOR SURE that pay property taxes are property OWNERS!
Let's not even think about Section 8 renters, college students, etc who don't pay a dime in property taxes regardless of how you look at it.
Posted on June 3, 2008 10:48 AM
Per capita sounds pretty fair to me, Billy.
Why not support it or some other area where all taxpayers pay for the bonds they support.
Posted on June 3, 2008 10:49 AM
Why does no one EVER propose significant spending cuts rather than new taxes?
Posted on June 3, 2008 12:42 PM
"Establish a per-capita tax for all to share the load and take some of the burden off the property owner"
Allow only property owners to vote on bond issues. And taxpayers to vote...period.
Anarcho-capitalist, you obviously want to starve the shillrun and kick the disabled out on the street...
Posted on June 3, 2008 7:24 PM
Now, now A-c. A spending cut was just reported in the N&R a couple of days ago. The City Council is going to postpone repaving streets for a year:
http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080601/NRSTAFF/891371876/-1/NEWS
I'm sure they'll still budget for drum circles and diversity celebrations, but at least they sort of realize they can cut funds to save money. Shame they lack the first grasp of their actual responsibility to citizens.
Roger
Posted on June 3, 2008 10:30 PM
This is why county property taxpayers are getting soaked. From the HPE:
GUILFORD COUNTY - School leaders will look to the community this week to help get full funding for the upcoming school year.
The Guilford County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the county's 2008-09 budget on Thursday at the Guilford County Courthouse in Greensboro.
School officials are banking on supporters to highlight the budgetary needs of the school system.
The budget submitted by the Guilford County Board of Education includes a $16 million increase in local funding, but the county manager's recommendation calls for only a $12.5 million increase to the school system.
County commissioners could decide to reduce the number even further.
Posted on June 4, 2008 9:26 AM
It is interesting to note that everything that is reported about the school's budget request is couched in terms of the increase. Let's talk about the real number; the total budget number that will stagger you.
Posted on June 4, 2008 9:29 AM
everyone should read Twilla's article
http://blog.news-record.com/opinion/letters/archives/2008/06/state_needs_big_changes.shtml
Posted on June 5, 2008 10:03 PM
oops! here's the correct link..sorry!
http://blog.news-record.com/opinion/letters/archives/2008/05/reduce_county_spending_instead.shtml
Posted on June 5, 2008 10:22 PM