To the Editor:

Political candidates should refrain from promising “no new taxes” in their campaign ads. In truth, we all know that inflationary pressures affect government expenditures just as they affect us all. Simply put, things just cost more over time. Even a time of relatively low inflation such as we’re experiencing now, costs can rise significantly over time as a result of compounding. We may not like it, but it’s a sad fact of life that, as the old saying goes, “There is nothing ore certain in life than death and taxes.”

Promising “no new taxes” doesn’t preclude increasing existing taxes, which is something that every property owner in the county has certainly experienced in recent years. A 50-percent increase in may case. The North Carolina General Assembly likes to say that it cut taxes, but in truth, they just rearranged the deck so that some pay more while others pay less. In the retail business, it’s called “bait and switch.” The net effect is essentially revenue neutral.

Candidates would be more honest to say that they will work diligently to hold costs down and avoid unnecessary spending for low-return budget items like questionable high-end consulting fees, excessive legal fees and using taxpayer money to support “lost causes.” Promising “no new taxes” is an empty promise that simply can’t be kept and only service to reinforce the common view that politicians can’t be trusted.

 

Sincerely,

David W. Woodmansee

Blounts Creek