Published: 31 January 2012
Dear Editor,
Within minutes of handing themselves a fat, juicy tax break, the Canton City Council was wringing its hands over the problem of how to pay for a couple of fire stations that should have been built years ago.
Yes, the majority of your council doesn’t think they should have to pay property taxes, and they don’t pay, but by golly they don’t mind sticking their hand in your wallet.
Last night, the Canton City Council brought our city one giant step closer to financial collapse by continuing a senior tax exemption. I tried to put it out to the voters, but the other council members disagreed.
As revenues continue to fall and the number of wealthy households not paying property taxes continues to rise, they waste time and money fiddling around with the city charter, they scheme of ways to make the taxpayers pay for their private streets in their exclusive neighborhoods and they hire more “consultants” to “study” the water department.
Last night, we were treated to a breathtaking display of arrogance, special favors, and good ol’ boy politics that would make Boss Hogg proud.
Like Ole Waylon used to say on the Dukes of Hazard, “Y’all stay tuned. Let’s see what’s a gonna happen next.”
Bill Bryan, Canton City Council (Ward II)
