We need as large of a crowd as possible to come to the commissioners’ meeting this Monday evening, March 24, at 6:30 PM.
The commissioners will be voting on two important issues: approving a taxpayer funded brochure to promote the May 6 referendum on a local sales tax increase, and a resolution to use higher sales tax proceeds for education capital needs in Rockingham County. This shell game approach is common to push for tax increases, so proponents will be able to say it’s “for the kids.”
We need as much support as we can get to resist yet another tax increase.
Please let people know that it is NOT that we are against school funding. “For the children” is just a red herring to bring in more tax money, and keep spending it at higher rates.
There is already an $80 million wish list being promoted by proponents of this tax hike, even though the best projections see the higher sales tax rate generating less than $2 million annual.
This is a unique opportunity for people against higher taxes to make it known that we demand reduced spending by our county government.
We are just getting started building our committee. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Jeffrey Sykes at this email or jeffreyhsykes@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Sykes
Frank Zulauf
Citizens for A Better Economy in Rockingham County
Seven reasons to oppose the tax:
It’s bad for economic development and jobs.
It’s bad for attracting retail stores to our area.
It’s bad fiscal policy – reduce spending instead.
Current sales tax: Virginia 5%, NC 6.75%.
Va. has less income tax and gas tax too.
Wonder why more new stores are in Danville?
Don’t give people another reason to leave.
March 29, 2008 at 12:02 pm
“A shell game” is an excellent description of this proposed tax increase. “For the sake of the children” has been the battle cry since the Clinton era and very few people have had the guts to say “No” as they don’t want to be perceived as not putting the needs of our children first. Everyone wants our children to have the very best schools possible, however there has to be logic and reason associated with these decisions. Initially, the school board lead us to believe funding was available to build at least 3 schools. Once the school board decided on which schools to build we were told there was not enough money to complete the construction of all 3 schools. If this in fact the case, then the school board needs to decide which schools can be completed with the available funding and not count (no pun intended) on a tax increase.
Before anymore new tax dollars are given to the school system, a complete review of its budget and its expenditures should take place. Then and only then should a tax increase be remotely considered.