Please allow me to weigh in on the proposed tax increase by Mayor Tim Kelly. I’d like to make four points.
1) I think most of the citizens in the city of Chattanooga would like to see our first responders receive pay commensurate with their job and job description. To say these men and women have a tough occupation is a huge understatement.
2) In addition, it is my belief that the majority of our citizens don’t want to see the financing of this raise come from a property tax increase, especially a 44-cent increase. This would cause significant hardship for most if not all that are taxed.
3) To have anyone say that since our homes have increased in value and we have access to those monies is very disingenuous. Unless a homeowner sells his/her home or takes out a home equity loan that money is on paper only and not in the pockets of the homeowner. Therefore, it is not available. Why or how can this be criteria for considering a property tax increase?
4) For any person who holds political office to bully a fellow constituent or person who is trying to help with the governing of their city is a true glimpse into his/her character. For Mayor Kelly to tell our City Council members that he wouldn’t work with them if they did not work with him and pass this tax increase, is nothing short of being a bully. Are members of Mayor Kelly’s staff using tactics like this? Let’s hope not. That type of bullying leadership shows Mayor Kelly’s true colors.
David M. Everett
District 2