Who should pay in the tax rate debate?

Larry Blevins
Published: April 5, 2008

It’s hard to comprehend in this economic crisis that we are experiencing this year that Prince William County is asking for more revenue than in previous years.

If that is not bad enough, the county keeps riding the backs of homeowners and retirees who live on fixed incomes, to share the same real estate tax rate as the ones who have mortgages. The people who fall into this category, in most cases, are still producing children, in which I consider a mutual and consensual “personal debt” and not a “public debt.”

I consider it unconstitutional when couples can determine to others (childless couples and retirees) how much they have to pay in real estate tax, by their decision on how many children to have.

Again, this should be considered a “personal debt” and not a “public debt.”

In an overcrowded, sprawl and crawl, and ever increasing populous society, people need to come to grips with the reality of things. This applies to our politics of government as well. It’s time to change the rules and laws of taxation, because what used to apply and work in past generations, doesn’t carry out the same specific purpose today.

Our overdeveloped and polluted environment is crying out and telling us that we are headed for a dire calamity with fate.

A change must come where “standards” now become “options.” Or is it too late?

It’s obvious to say that most eligible retirees cannot afford to retire on an average pension, even if they own their home, because of an increase in real estate tax by our county government.

Unfortunately, it’s imperative that the American dream be put on hold or postponed because of an unjustifiable tax system, even when you live out of debt. Also, age (65) should not be a factor by law, when determining retirement or “tax ease,” because no one should be over half way in the grave. I could only hope that all you lawmakers and politicians (supervisors) will read and absorb this letter and place it under your pillows at night.

LARRY BLEVINS

Prince William County