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Commissioners say tax relief, mean an increase

Re: Property Appraiser defends system of assessments, Sept. 19 Times:

As an old tax law professor once told me, if you can pick the "noun" used to frame an issue, you win.

After reading weeks of blasts in your paper concerning the imprudent "tax cut" favored by Commissioners Jeff Stabins and Nancy Robinson, Property Appraiser Alvin Mazourek's response makes it clear that no tax cut is even at issue. The real question facing our commission is not whether to provided needed tax relief to the residents of Hernando County; rather, they are arguing over whether we shall suffer a tax increase of 22.8 percent or merely 14.39 percent.

Either option is unnecessary and hurtful.

The overwhelming majority of taxpayers do not have the pleasure of increasing their income with the stroke of a pen by either 14 percent or 22 percent, nor did they actually realize that level of success. Still, they face this hefty increase to already strained budgets.

To tell the taxpayer that corrections in the real estate market will be reflected next year does no good. With the spiraling cost of everyday life, due to gas prices, home insurance and medical costs going through the roof, how can any government official look people in the eye, knowing that a large proportion are on fixed incomes, and tell them, "We are only going to raise your taxes a little over 14 percent, and you'd better be glad to get it?" The answer is they don't - they just call a 14.39 percent increase a "cut."

This is "newsspeak" right out of George Orwell's novel 1984. How about holding the budget constant, once adjusted for inflation, and living within your means, just like the rest of us, commissioners?

Frank K. Anderson, Spring Hill

Families' plan for Hickory Hill is right

If the proposed Hickory Hill development, at 2,700 acres with 1,700 housing units - 1.6 acres per unit - places an undue burden on infrastructure, water quality, rural lifestyle, services and roads, then tell me what effect the approved Planned Development District, which is adjacent to the proposed Hickory Hill development, at 4,800 acres with 12,000 housing units, 4-million square feet of commercial space and 9.8-million square feet of industrial space, has on these concerns.

I may just be a simple Spring Lake landowner, but it sounds like someone is pulling my leg on the evils of the Hickory Hill development.

When did it become a crime in this country to strive for excellence, do well and prosper? Sierra Properties is a family business located in Tampa whose chairman, Bob Sierra, lives in Hernando County. Three generations of family to ensure the reputation and solid track record of developing high-quality communities is upheld.

The Thomas family's Two Rivers Ranch accounts for the majority of acreage in the Hickory Hill development. The Thomas family has a 75-year-long history of being dedicated land stewards. These are two families that live and work in the area and it is fortunate they are joining together to develop this unique property. Do these families deserve the personal attacks simply because of their long-term vision for Hickory Hill?

I, like other residents of Spring Lake, approve of the Hickory Hill development.

John Crowder, Brooksville

To property appraiser: a request

As the Hernando County Value Adjustment Board knows, property should be assessed at its fair market value. It is the price at which a property would sell in the open market between parties having equal knowledge of the property's characteristics, etc.

My property, a new house, was assessed for more than the selling price, while many other new homes in the county are being assessed at a much lower value than the selling price, which was the fair market value.

As per Chapter 194.011 (4)(b), this petitioner has provided the information required and I hereby request in writing that the property appraiser provide me a list of evidence to be presented at a hearing that will show how and why each of the properties were not assessed at the selling price, which was the fair market value of these new homes. A record card on each is requested.

Louis Mlecka, Brooksville

High costs are killing Florida dreams

How are we supposed to live if our pleasures are taken away from us? Do we move or do we just give up our homes and cars, and live with our children who do not believe we are hurting and who have a way of life that does not include us in their homes?

We came to Florida for a promising future. We watched "Come-on-down" ads on the television. We traveled down and lived a dream for a few years, and now watch it snatched out from us due to the high cost of living.

The next generation of people, younger and wiser, will not be able to live the Sunshine State.

Rosemary Sonenberg, Spring Hill

Bush is to blame for nation's woes

I spent more than two hours on Sept. 14 at the Hernando County Commission hearing on the question of keeping the county property tax rate the same as last year, or to raise or lower it. Resident after resident went to the microphone to plead with the commissioners to lower the rate because they are unable to pay it. They told one heartbreaking story after another.

I wonder if they realize it's the same all across the country. People are hurting. Middle-income people are falling into poverty. Why? Because the Bush administration is pouring billions of tax dollars overseas and is sending our young people to be maimed or killed in an unwinnable war.

To bring back prosperity and honor to our country, we need new leadership in Washington and all across the country at all levels of government.

Dorothy S. Carter, Spring Hill

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[Last modified September 25, 2006, 06:47:38]