I found Jim McKee’s letter (Oct. 23) very interesting. I feel it is very unfair that 64 percent of our property supports all Goshen city services and schools after exempting 36 percent for “government owned,” “not for profit,” TIF districts and special deductions. Users of all this property enjoy the benefits, but over one-third do not pay for them.
Out state government has legislated to make matters even more unfair. Next year, a resident-owned residence will pay a maximum of 1 percent of the value in property tax. That’s nice. But, if a family is financially unable to purchase a residence and must rent, the property will be taxed at 2 percent. Obviously, the landlord must collect this charge from the tenant in additional rent. That is not fair!
An unoccupied new home waiting for a buyer or a vacant residential rental is also taxed at 2 percent. That’s not fair!
For a commercial property, the tax will be 3 percent of its value. Why should the burden be placed on commercial property that probably uses less of the services than does residential? Usually, this tax is passed onto the tenant in the building. But, for the many buildings that are currently unoccupied, this tax is paid by a landlord who has no income. That’s even worse than not fair, that’s downright rotten!
We need property tax change! Perhaps we should tax all property at 1 percent and find more equitable ways to generate any needed additional income. The cost of services should be shared by those who use the services.
— Carl Van Gilst
Goshen
Letters to the Editor
We need fair property tax change
- Letters to the Editor
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Goshen sidewalk crowding is the new cruising
I’m writing in response to the article in The Goshen News (May 16), entitled “Way Paved for Sidewalk Ordinance.” To recap quickly: The older people (business owners, the Establishment, “The Man”, the 1 percent) in Goshen don’t like the younger people crowding the sidewalk during First Fridays.
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A 'compassionate conservative?'
You’ve all heard the term “compassionate conservative” used by liberals. They called George W. Bush a compassionate conservative, among other things. Have you ever noticed how liberals love to label people?
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Partisanship OK in Congress, but not in other elected offices
During the primary election season there was much discussion regarding whether bipartisanship is a positive or negative attribute as it relates to the work of the United States Congress. When I speak to students, I often mention the vital role of partisanship within the legislative branch of government.
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Elkhart County community's help appreciated
On behalf of the Child And Parent Services Board of Directors, staff and the families we serve, our heartfelt thanks go out to the generous people of Elkhart County.
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Why not just close Main Street?
I thought Goshen spent millions of dollars just a few years ago to widen and increase Third Street to two-way traffic and make Fifth Street a two-way street so that traffic flow on Main Street would be greatly reduced. So, why can’t the Goshen City Council address the problem of the number of people at First Fridays by closing the downtown section of Main Street for one afternoon/evening per month and allowing people to congregate on the street?
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Sponsors help First Fridays thrive
Last month, more than 150 volunteers, 30 city staff members, and 16 sponsors donated time, talent and treasure to make the event a success. First Fridays simply would not exist without the good will and hard work of many individuals coming together.
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Proving Rush Limbaugh wrong?
We can confirm that President Obama has officially broken Rush Limbaugh’s heart by achieving the success that Rush wished against. Remember after the 2008 election when Rush famously hoped our new president would not be successful? Well the evidence is insurmountable that Mr. Obama has gotten the best of Rush.
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Shelters should neuter animals
This letter is on the subject of neutering animals, especially cats.
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Mourdock is bought and paid for
It is sad to watch, but once again the Tea Party has been duped by big business and banks into supporting causes and people who will do harm to the rank and file in the Tea Party.
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America cannot afford another Republican president
Remember 2001 and how President George W. Bush inherited the biggest federal surplus in postwar history? The Congressional Budget Office even projected the federal government would be debt-free by 2009. The country was in terrific fiscal shape to deal with any crises or emergencies in the future, even ready to handle the retirement of the Baby Boom generation.
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