I am asking my Supervisor, Kelly Burk, to raise my taxes. I'm asking the Town of Leesburg to raise my taxes. Heck, I'm even asking the Democratic Congress to raise my taxes.
I understand that there's a direct relationship between the taxes I pay and the quality of government I receive. I understand that paying taxes means money for things like smaller class sizes, teacher salaries, ice melt and snow plows, trash service and police. I also understand that not managing revenue in such a way as to plan for recessions, or blizzards, can have dire and awful consequences that all come about at once.
Like December, 2009, for example.
In the midst of a truly awful budgetary season, one in which Loudoun contemplates dropping to the bottom of its peers in school financing, one in which the wealthiest county in America (that's right, wealthier than Fairfax) has a difficult time finding money for essential services and maintenance, we get hit with a massive snowstorm. The County (and Town of Leesburg) did a good job keeping up with, and cleaning up after, the mess. But they did not do a great job. Side streets like the on my office is on are still impassible two days after the storm stopped. Schools were cancelled leading to a very extended Christmas break.
Neighbors will complain about the quality, timeliness and extent of snow removal. Parents will complain about school closures. And yet, there is often a willful blindness about the cause of these inconveniences - financing. When the County is forced to trim money from the snowy day fund, and we get hit with a snowstorm. This happens. When schools are asked to do more with less for year after year, eventually the schools will be unable to do anything at all.
I decline to accept that as an inevitable outcome. I know I can do something about it. I can do the unpopular, but necessary thing. I can be a responsible citizen and say, "Enough, I want more from my government, and I am willing to pay for it." And I do.
Raise my taxes. I am willing to pay for the things my family and neighbors need. I'm willing to admit that, hey, I'm extremely lucky to live in the wealthiest county in America, and I will gladly pay my share for the benefits that brings.
7 comments:
I wish there were a way for the county to raise taxes just for the folks who can afford (or want) to pay more and not raise taxes on folks with fixed incomes or who just can't afford a higher amount.
Unfortunately, the county relies on property taxes, which has nothing to do with ability to pay.
Sigh.
Liz, I agree. The Dillon Rule really limits our ability to manage the local tax burden in a equitable manner.
Maybe they should put snow plows on the school buses?
Don't forget that Winter tan will soon cost you 10% more! Beats more income taxes.
Have a Merry Christmas!
By the way, you can also donate money to schools/agencies/organizations-that-do-work-in-our-communities.
Loudoun County Public Schools accepts donations - and you can even donate to particular schools.
The various volunteer fire departments take donations.
Friends of Mental Health is a great organization.
LAWS could always use more funding and performs a terrific service.
Loudoun Interfaith Relief does phenomenal work.
This is a fundamentally dishonest post. You don't want anyone to raise YOUR taxes; as Liz notes, you can send in any extra amount that you want to. Just how much did YOU send in to the "tax me more" fund? Virginia has one, you know, for all you lefties who feel undertaxed. Last time I checked, three people had donated.
What you want is taxes raised on EVERYONE else.
At least spare us the con job until you've first put up. Otherwise, kindly shut up.
Mr. Young, I disagree with your criticism. And I must compliment you on the quality of your rhetoric, everyone knows that "con job" and "shut up" are the highest possible forms of argument.
I have not seen the programs of which you speak. Is there a link you could provide?
Similarly, could you provide me of an example of how such programs actually do any good, other than providing fodder for anti-tax arguments?
Yes, I am - in effect - advocating raising your taxes too. You're welcome to provide arguments why that's a bad idea. All you've done so far is attempted an ad hominem attack on my character because I'm not sending extra money to a program I've never heard of, and which you've not provided a link to.
Taxes are the dues we pay to live in a civilized society. We pay. That includes you, sir. Paying taxes is patriotic, a duty of citizenship, one I am proud to fulfill.
If you don't want to pay taxes here,
Leave.
Hey, John! One great way to off-set your taxes is to buy municipal and county bonds! Then when you pay your taxes you can remember that you're getting some of that money back in interest!
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