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Letters to the EditorsTax cuts benefit some, burden others
© St. Petersburg Times, I find all this furor over county taxes amusing. What did these people expect? The tax cuts already implemented at the state and federal levels mean less state and federal money available for local governments to provide services. This at a time when the cost of providing those services has gone up (it's called inflation). This at a time when there is increased demand for those services. (The reduction in state and federal programs throws the burden back on the local governments.) I'm sure everyone has an idea of what services should be cut. Generally, these programs benefit someone other than the person demanding the cut. For instance, the federal tax cut is going to cost me my Social Security. I'm not happy about that. I'm sure those of you rich enough to not need Social Security are pleased. Enjoy yourselves.
People on fixed incomes already taxed to deathIt is appalling that our county commissioners would even consider a property tax increase when the cost of living is already inflated. We on fixed incomes can hardly make ends meet now. There is no need for salary increases for county employees. When county residents on fixed incomes have to tighten their belts to be able to meet property taxes, then it's time to tighten the belt on county salaries. I own my home outright but still have to take one-third of my Social Security check each month just for my taxes. Another increase means I will have to put my home, that I have worked for for so many years, up for sale. It doesn't seem to end. We are being taxed to death! Vote no on any and all tax increases for this year. School taxes also need to be reconsidered. We have too many school-age children and parents living in apartments. These people pay minimal taxes through their rents, while again the senior citizens pick up the brunt of the school expenses in our taxes. There has to be a way to make these people pay for educating their children. I raised my children and paid the taxes to send them to good schools and came to Florida to retire and enjoy my golden years. Fat chance with the way the tax situation is going.
Put children's interests before corporate interestsRe: Rethink "teen problem,' editorial, Aug. 16. Children are very smart. If we treat them like problems, they quickly learn to become problems. If we treat them like our most valuable assets and responsible younger citizens, they become our best help. To treat them like our most valuable assets and responsible younger citizens, we must make Clearwater Beach theirs first, and put the interests of foreign-owned colonialist tourist corporations second. There will always be such corporations. We cannot expect the Wall Street Journal or Investor's Business Daily to stand up to them on behalf of Clearwater's children. Thank you, Clearwater Times editor, for doing that.
Community pride flows from fountainI've never written a letter to the editor before, although I do read them, but I just had to put my thoughts and opinion on paper. I spend a great deal of time at the fountain at the Safety Harbor marina, walking my dog, Barney, and I listen to the comments from people, especially out-of-towners staying at the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. Their comments are all very positive and reflect my own, which is that the fountain is beautiful and an asset to the city. There were many people who were opposed to the improvements at the marina and some had very good and sound reasons. However, I fear because of ego or whatever, now that the fountain is a fact, they can't admit it is a thing of beauty. To them I say, "Tsk, tsk. For shame." To Mayor Pam Corbino and staff, I say hats off and thank you for a job well done and for yet another reason to say I'm proud that Safety Harbor is my home.
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From the Times North Pinellas desks |
