The Correlation Of More Social Programs And Property Taxes - And Response

  • Tuesday, December 10, 2019

So, according to Chattanooga budget discussions seeking input from its citizens the public desires to invest in more social programs. I wonder how many of those respondents pay no property taxes.

Some elected officials would have us to believe that apartment dwellers pay “hidden” property taxes. Yet they don’t get that letter in the mail every year telling how much they actually paid. These same elected leaders pander to these voters which are a growing segment of our voting society.

I propose a transparent tax levy on these same apartment dwellers who may see their social leaning aspirations in a new light when faced with a growing tax burden to support their social ideologies.

Or perhaps we could create a valued voter registration. Because I own property I get two votes and the apartment dweller gets one vote.

Ron Ray

* * * 

I wonder if TIF and PILOT subsidies are considered "social programs".  Let's not, once again, buy into the old standby of blaming the poor for all of our tax increases. 

The price tag for the unregulated building in our area is not small, not are the environmental and quality of life consequences thereof.  A couple of people bring these things to the attention of local taxpayers, from time to time, via this valuable public forum.  But if we look at the votes of our elected officials, city and county, it would appear there isn't much hue and cry for reform.

It is disheartening to see a willingness to vilify those without means, while those with ample means are allowed to do as they will on the public dime, with no recrimination.

Darlene Kilgore

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