- November 23, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
No more special exemptions at the expense of the rest of us
Dear Editor:
The July 6 edition of the Palm Coast Observer reports that County Commissioner George Hanns is advocating for a low-income senior tax exemption for seniors who lived in their homes for 25 years, and have income of $27,590 or less.
When voting for mayors, commissioners, sheriffs, councilmen, etc., we never see "social worker" as part of their job description. Once elected, however, most of them seem to think they are qualified in this field. They are not, and that is not why they were elected.
I know many seniors who have lived here around 20 years, and have retirement income of $900 to $1,000 a month. That is $12,000 a year. They will have to pay more tax to subsidize the special exemption seniors who have double their income.
How will the county know if those getting the special exemptions have $50,000 in bonds, stocks, or gold in their safe deposit boxes? How will they know if relatives, or roomers are also living in their homes? How will they know if they have property in other states? All programs expand. In a couple of years even I would be eligible. What's in my safe deposit box? Who will verify any qualifying statements? How much more tax will that cost?
The problem with taxing agencies and the Internal Revenue Service is that there is always another special exemption for something. If the elected officials performed their required duties, they would be saving tax money. They would not be continually spending our money on things we don't need. We would then all be able to get our taxes reduced, without the poorer "low-income" people subsidizing richer "low-income" people just because they lived here a few more years. Everyone should be treated equally.
We have enough exemptions already. We need to elect officials who know how to stop raising our taxes, and bring back responsible government. Please call your commissioners and let them know we all want lower taxes, and we want them fair for everyone.
Jean Sbertoli
Flagler Beach
Red light cameras help enforce the rules we all should live by
Dear Editor:
Just out of curiosity, are all the folks who are writing negatively about the red light cameras the ones who do not use their direction signals, do not come to a full stop before turning right on red, go through school zones at excessive speeds, drive while using a cell phone with children in the car, go through grocery store parking lots like they are running for a touchdown on a gridiron or performing one of the many other safe driving violations?
A society is a place where rules are made for the good of all within the framework of whatever political structure that is in place. When we all do as we want to do regardless of rules, we are living in a jungle and not a society. There may be faults in the red light camera system, but the alternative would be to spend our tax dollars on a massive police force to run down the red light runners.
I am sure I will be lambasted for my stand on this issue, but this is a nice place to live — just think how much nicer it would be if everyone drove safely and obeyed the driving rules.
Bob Hanson
Palm Coast
Unleashed dogs cause fear in residents
Dear Editor:
I just wanted to respond to the incident in the letter to the editor titled, “Leash laws: The city should enforce its own code.” I felt compelled to voice my opinion as a friend who has visited Ms. Christiani's home prior to the incident of her neighbor's charging dog. We have enjoyed being in her backyard where she so lovingly and enthusiastically planted many beautiful flowers and trees (her passion is gardening). She is affectionately known as "Farmer Jane."
Since the incident, she seldom goes in her backyard. It's a shame because she has been robbed of the pleasure, and sense of security she once felt in her backyard. I, too, feel a sense of anxiety just walking from my car in her driveway to her front door due to the close proximity to her neighbor's backyard.
To think this incident was not deserving of a citation being given to the owner of the dog for violating the leash laws is absurd! It appears that the Code Enforcement Department is more interested in overgrown lawns than enforcing its own leash laws!
June Phillips
Palm Coast
BOX: AN ALTERNATE VIEW OF CITY HALL
The following comment was posted by “Brad W” at www.PalmCoastObserver.com on the story, “Former dignitaries: Time for a new City Hall,” which was published July 6.
“Paying rent long-term is not a good idea or in the people's best interest. Our city government has had to grow with the ever-growing population and need a permanent residence that is owned by the city.
"Yes, people will get upset as people always do. And then they will get over it as they always do. If the city can fund the project responsibly and can keep it under the cap necessary for a vote, they should do it. We elected them to make good decisions even when they are tough ones."
