Ideas for Improvement - September 2011There seems to be a difference of opinion about what issues are most pressing as the November election approaches. One thing I think we can all agree on is the need for tax relief. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Lowering home assessments is one way. No matter how you do it you will be putting a little extra money in taxpayer's pockets. Most of us need a few extra dollars and we are likely to spend the additional the money and that will stimulate the local economy. New home construction is way down but the home improvement market is continuing to grow. Lowering property assessments will have a positive effect on the home improvement market. This should result in additional hiring to satisfy a growing demand and reduce our local unemployment rate. The cry all over the nation is to cut government spending and it can be done in our local County Government by several options. We can minimize waste, adjust upper level salaries, limit out sourcing of work and consulting services, to name just a few ideas. Whatever we do in this area the money saved would be reallocated to where it is most needed. This satisfies those who believe that giving money back to taxpayers by lowering home assessments greatly reduces revenue collections. Next year our Comprehensive Land Use Plan is up for review. You may recall in 2007 how citizen participation and input was immense and how that input was ignored when the plan was adapted. We have a chance to elect Supervisors who will restore citizen input in that Land Use Plan. There is no doubt in my mind that Hanover's future depends on electing Supervisors in 2011 who will place our interests at the same level of importance as those of the business community. Kevin Damian,
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