From: Jean McGrath
Bel Air
Not property taxes. As a senior citizen on fixed retirement income, the continued increase in property tax can soon mean we will no longer be able to keep our home.
Since we bought our home, the assessment has increased to five times its purchase price, and our property tax has gone to 10 times the original tax bill, while our income inretirement is 60 percent of our working income. There should be a more equitable tax that would include all residents and not just property owners.
Also, I am opposed to purchasing blue bags for recycling. What will you do with the accumulation of thousands of blue bags? A much better system is the use of blue plastic containers that can be emptied or reused. I have seen this system work very well where I visited in Indiana.
CUT GOVERNMENT COSTS
From: Richard S. Gorvine
Bel Air
I do not agree that property taxes should be raised or any new taxes implemented. Government should have to be as responsibleas private industry in cutting costs to accommodate the capital funds available during economic hardship.
Private industry must do this by trimming costs, and so should government. God knows we have muchtoo much government now promising to do everything for everybody. County government could start by eliminating probably 60 percent of Sheriff Department vehicles that are driven home and parked and used to run errands on taxpayers' expenses.
The schools could reduce drastically the tiers of administrative bureaucracy and utilize funds for actual teaching instructors.
Everyone should be convinced by now that the more money collected by government, the more ways they will find to waste most of it.
NO NEW TAXES
From: H. Thomson
Bel Air
1. No new or increased taxes.
2. Impose across-the-board cuts on county programs and personnel as needed to balance the budget. Weedout nice-to-have programs and associated personnel.
3. Fully utilize existing school buildings by redistricting.
4. Control growth and land development by requiring developers to fully pay for new utilities, roads and schools.
5. Don't participate in white elephants, such as the downtown Bel air parking garage.
6. Don't vote for incumbents or office seekers who favor new or increased taxes.
DESPERATE MEASURES
From: Donald and Peggy Blades
Bel Air
Property taxes must be raised or further taxing measures considered under such dire forecasts.
TAXES REPEL BUSINESS
From: John A. Dudley
Bel Air
No, it is not time to raise taxes. In order to attract new businesses to Maryland, we need to lower taxes. State, county and city governments must selectively reduce services. Gov. Schaefer has been beginning to start his unpopular, but necessary action. Let's encouragehim to continue a tough but proper action.
6TH PLACE IS TOO HIGH
From: James Wilson
Havre de Grace
Maryland has the sixth highest rate of taxation in the country. If this is not adequate, there is something wrong. We need a "blue-ribbon" commission to investigate tax expenditures.
In this era of recession, the last thing that should be done is to raise taxes, which result in a depression.
THEY'LL ONLY WASTE IT
From: Robert Robusto
Bel Air
Of course, it's time to raise taxes. How else are we to be bilked for raises for political hacks, for free condoms for boys and girls, for AIDS education, for more paid holidays for teachers, etc., etc.
CONSOLIDATE AND SAVE
From: Ted Smith
Joppatowne
Local government can substantiallyreduce education expenditures by consolidation of services with county offices and regionalization of many services.
SURVEY RESPONSES