Tax, tax and more taxes

Here we go again! Our county executive and our elected officials are at it again. Let’s keep taxing the people of Chautauqua County. According to legislator Chuck Nazzaro the County could have a shortfall close to $27 million. Why? Of course the same old reasons health insurance, pension costs, debt services and my favorite - employee contracts.

Really, what makes our elected officials think that by raising the sales tax it will actually generate what they think it will? I am going to guess that more people will drive to Warren and Erie County, Pa., to shop, and since they are there they will more than likely get gas because that is also cheaper.

Mr. Nazzaro said he is dead set against an 18 percent property tax increase because we are already taxed too much. But, a sales tax increase will affect everyone including tourist. Keep raising the sales tax and there won’t be any tourism in the county. Lesser of two evils he says about being for raising the sales tax vs. property tax by 18 percent.

How about we have no tax increase by the county. Let’s cut your overspending instead. I know I didn’t vote yes on the last round of contracts for the county. Did you? Why yes you did. Did you ask me as a voter? Nope. Did my Legislator Fred Croscut ask me before he voted yes on it? Nope. So let’s try something totally out of the ordinary for our elected officials. You figure out a way to cover the shortfall without us taxpayers bailing you out of your mistakes time and time again.

If you do pass the sales tax increase and Assemblyman William Parment takes it to Albany and it goes through, take a camera to Erie, Pa., to take a picture of all New York license plates!