The response below was of such a nature that it deserves to be posted rather than as a comment. In order to consider the response you must understand that it is referencing the post below it. The blog finds it it be informative and responsible in it's content. Thank you for the input.
Get Real said...
I'm no more in favor of a property tax hike than the next person, but to suggest that Swain County is by any means unfairly taxed is incorrect. According to data on the National Association of Builders website, which tracks property taxes nationwide, Swain County has the 2nd lowest property tax rate in North Carolina. Some counties, such as Durham, Orange and Cumberland counties, have tax rates nearly 2 1/2 times higher than Swain.Accusing a public official of a desire to raise taxes simply to cause foreclosures is an extremely inflammatory statement. Back your statements up with facts. The fact is, Swain County is taxed less than all but one other county in North Carolina. Coupled with the fact that only 15% of Swain County is taxable property in the first place, you should count your blessings that so far the county government has been able to operate on this small of a revenue stream.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
Its about" CONTROLLED" spending ! Being an impoverished county qualifies swain for extra benifits from government.these leaders are elected to do the "will of the people" NOT THEMSELVES !The present leaders say" NO' to the 'voice of the people".When we get "CHANGE" the county can go forward!
I believe that accountability and credibility is a big factor in leading a community. While there is an effort to appear to be accountable and credible to the Counties Residents. Actions speak louder than words always.
Could there be room for sincerely responsible government in the present administration in Swain?
This is doubful, since if it has to come at the request of the people rather than as standard practice it would be like a leopard changing it's spots. Or better yet a politician keeping his promises after he's elected.
Hey, "Get Real" if you have a job, and a checking account that you put your paycheck, you wouldn't keep writing checks until you run out of checks, would you? In other words, you probably would keep a register with a balance, and NOT spend more than you had coming in. Believe it not, running government is not like having an endless supply of checks, keep writing 'til thier gone.
I'm curious as to the multiple references to 'writing checks' or 'backdating checks' by the county government. Can you point to some concrete examples of where the county government is running a deficient, or has made financial obligations that currently can not be covered without a tax increase?
I'm not disputing wither it has happened or not, but I'm simply not aware of actual examples. Please enlighten me....
With all that has been said I believe that there are unspoken commitments which are carried forward. Some are the nature of politics. Others are the nature of individuals. Are they true and correct? Only on a case by case basis should they be judged. Should business be carried on regarding the publics interest in such a fashion? That's a question for the community to decide.
At this time though it must be said that there a clear line to be drawn between what appears to be the haphazard working of the personal & political arena and that of the actual boots on the ground.
Speaking specifically of our Local Government Employees, they operate in a difficult situation on a daily basis.
Perhaps I'm the only person in Swain County who is unaware of all the alleged widespread malfeasance, unspoken promises, unbudgeted financial commitments, etc...made by the current government. If so, please help me out. I'm willing to be convinced here, but only if presented with some real evidence.
In post after post, and comment after comment, there is a lot of innuendo being thrown about, but no specifics. I repeat what I asked before:
Can anyone point to a concrete example where the county government is running a dificit, or has made financial obligations, public or private, that can not be covered without a tax increase?
Have we not had to surplant money form the General fund to special projects and do budget amendments to cover such actions while awaiting funding? I agree we probably haven't operated in a dificit, however have we put the cart before the horse in the past so as to begin something before the funds were in place. Basically stepping off the boat before the dock was in reach. Ya, we didn't get wet yet but that's because of a gamble not responsible planning. What happens when we step off and the luck isn't there? Are we talking about creative finance now?
The Rec. Park Projects are a fine example aren't they? As well as others?
Just exactly how would score the present administration in logic and overall committment to the Whole County? And then the same question in regards to special interests? Have they operated with the best interest and intentions of the County as a whole in mind, for the better?
If so please enlighten.
Post a Comment