Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor,
Tonight I had the opportunity to watch my son, a member of the RFHS Pirates, play another nail biter. This time it was against Calallan. It was a good game but like all of us I wish our boys would have won. But that is not what is prompting me to write this letter. It was what took place in the closing seconds of the game which gave me cause for pause and sadness.
It was obvious I was sitting next to two gentlemen who were for the other team. They seemed to be very interested in giving guidance to the officials' as well as the players, as we all tend to do, although they were not rude. I noticed one of them was recording all the statistics of the game on a palm pilot. In the last few seconds of the game a woman from Rockport whom I do not know stood up and walked in front of me and the two men and just stood there intentionally blocking our view. She was stepping to the right and the left to block the view of the two men. One of the gentlemen said to the woman, "Excuse me, we can't see the game." She then turned around and said "I am trying to watch the game, too." More words were exchanged. It was obvious at that point she was making a statement and this is what gave me pause.
See, my son is a senior and this will be his last year to play high school basketball. He will graduate with his classmates and start his life as an adult. He will then report to Marine Corps Recruit Training at Camp Pendleton, CA to join a group of men and women in the defense of our great nation. He will defend our freedom to go to high school basketball games, the movies, for walks, to church, or pretty much where ever we choose. I realized what was important in that moment was just seeing my sons face and knowing he was safe, not looking at someone's backside and hearing her rude comments to the two men who also probably had sons playing in this game.
Oh how soon we forget the preciousness of our children and what truly is important in life. It is not whether we win or lose but that we get to play. The clock's final seconds ticked off and the game was over. I stood up with the two men who had sat next to me and put out my hand. I told them thanks for a good game and not every one in Rockport is "that way."
I watched my son run off the court with his teammates into the locker room. I can't wait to tell him how proud of him I am, and I know he will make a fine man and an outstanding Marine.
"Lest we forget.." Thank you Lcpl Matthew Holloway and all the others who have stood and are still standing in harm's way so we could be in Rockport tonight at a basketball game.
Thomas Ralph, USN,FMF(Ret)
"It was an honor to serve"
Dear Editor,
I would assume the construction work on Highway 35 must be being paid for by the hour, and the company is making a killing at taxpayers' expense. Never has so little been done by so few in such a long time. The business establishments are paying dearly for this.
John Phippen
Dear Editor,
One of the best recreational facilities in Rockport-Fulton and the county is the Community Aquatic Park. The park benefits young and old alike.
Here's just a few of the groups using the facility on a year round basis:
70 members of the Sharks Swim Team League (TAAF) train for summer competition.
20 Special Olympics athletes train for competition.
291 Rockport-Fulton Middle School (RFMS) sixth grade students learn to swim better.
20 women participate in water aerobics.
Open swim four days per week from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Open swim Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
SCUBA classes.
Birthday party rentals.
25 RFMS seventh and eighth grade competitive swimmers.
Private lessons.
A great number of people who do non-weight bearing exercises per their physicians orders.
Cecil Frost, a long-time Rockport resident, saw the need for Rockport to have a Community Aquatic Park. She donated the land, considerable funding and worked on the project to its conclusion.
Now it's up to the county to live up their funding agreement of this facility.
Renatta Heller-Moak
Dear Editor,
I read with interest quotes from Mayor Todd Pearson's speech to the recent Chamber of Commerce luncheon group.
I would agree wholeheartedly the city is a residential community, as well as a retirement community. It is also a second home haven, and soon to become a bedroom community to Corpus Christi.
Building is our major industry with retail business springing up to service this expanding market. People are moving here in droves and we are fast becoming a seller's market as housing production can hardly keep up with the demand and prices continue to rise. Existing homes are changing hands rapidly as their owners' increased values create a temptation to sell and downsize to smaller homes. The reason is simple; Live Oak Peninsula, this paradise on which we live, is the most relatively unspoiled and ecologically rich area on the entire Gulf Coast. There is nothing else like it.
There is, in fact, only one major obstacle to our continued growth. That is the cost of living here; and taxes are a major factor. Our tax burden is high. In one of the smallest counties in the state (excluding the bays) we have more than our share of governmental agencies. We not only pay city taxes but county, school district, and Navigation District, as well. As taxes rise, and they have every year for the past fourteen, budgets go up proportionally. In other words, they seem to always find a way to spend the money.
We are now contemplating a vote on the proposed homestead tax freeze for over 65 and disabled homeowners. This freeze will be little more than an added incentive for those planning to move and retire here.
The county has already recognized the merits of this measure and voted it into law. The mayor's council voted against it - hence prompting the coming special election.
If our governing bodies could adopt some fiscal responsibility, eliminate duplication of services, and provide more efficient government, we all would be better off, retired and non-retired alike. Believe me, taxes will continue to increase and the only relief will be through more prudent use of our tax dollars.
Whatever age, if you want to see our area continue to grow and prosper this small benefit for retirees should be adopted. If you are 65 or have hopes of reaching that plateau, go to City Hall today and vote for.
Carl C. Krueger
Dear Editor,
We in Rockport will shortly be voting to approve a proposal to freeze the property tax for those 65 and over regardless of personal wealth or income. The following, taken from a letter to the editor of the Dallas/Fort Worth Star-Telegram by North Richland Hill Councilman Frank Metts Jr., is an excellent explanation of why we should vote against this proposal:
"The senior tax freeze does benefit seniors initially, but at great expense to the vast majority, including their children and grandchildren. More correctly, the senior tax freeze should be called a permanent tax increase on everyone who isn't a senior. If enacted, the senior tax freeze will begin a permanent transfer and a steady increase of tax burden to our children and grandchildren. In a few years, when the baby boomers become seniors, the burden on our children will increase dramatically.
"My guess is that most of the people who voted for the constitutional amendment didn't fully understand the consequences. Without exception, when I explain the impact to seniors, they are embarrassed and ashamed to be a part of such action. Seniors want to be independent and are proud to pay their own way."
I encourage everyone to think about councilman Mett's words and the impact of the proposed tax freeze on the future of the Rockport community and its public servants.
Please vote "no" to the proposed freeze.
Robert Ustruck
Dear Editor,
As you read this letter we are in the middle of an election to determine if the City of Rockport should implement a tax freeze on the homesteads of those people over 65 and/or disabled. You may recall we voted on a Texas Constitutional Amendment, Proposition 13 in 2003. The citizens of Aransas County passed that proposition with 82 percent of the voters in favor of Proposition 13. In the state, the results were just about the same with 80 percent in favor of the proposition.
If voted for by the citizens of Rockport, what effect will this freeze, on homestead property taxes for those over 65, have on the city budget? Lets look at the real facts, not those distorted by the misguided. Some people would have you believe all taxes on homesteads owned by those over 65 and/or disabled will no longer be collected once the freeze is implemented. Not the case at all. Let's evaluate the real facts. The total taxable value of all properties in Rockport is $851,079,944*. The taxable value of property homesteaded in Rockport is $336,770,286*. The taxing rate in Rockport per $100 evaluation is .2557*. The 2004-2005 city budget (Revenues)is $17,460,708**. Of those revenues, only $2,198.528** or about 12 percent is funded from ad valorem or property taxes. Of the $2.2M** from ad valorem taxes, $861,122 in tax revenues will come from all properties homesteaded. There are 2,102* homesteaded properties in Rockport. Of these 2,102* homesteads about half, or 1,044*, are owned by people over 65. This means about half of the $861,122 or approximately $430,000 of the budget's funding is from taxes paid on homesteads by those over 65. This amount will continue to be collected for all the years after the tax freeze is implemented. (These taxes cannot go up unless improvements are made to the property, which enhances the value.)
Now the first year after the freeze is implemented, assuming all property values of those homesteads belonging to the over 65 group are increased by 10 percent, the maximum allowed by state law, the city could lose $43,000 in new taxes. But that is the projected amount and these will be new taxes lost, not old taxes lost. We know all property values will not be increased 10 percent but will be increased in varying percentages and furthermore, some of these homes could/will be sold to buyers who are under 65 years of age and some new homes will be bought by new citizens over 65 or citizens will turn 65 but the varying percentages (less than 10%) should hold that dollar figure.
Again, the city revenues are $17,460,708**and the maximum lost new tax revenues for the first year, after the tax freeze is implemented, could be up to $43,000 (more or less as discussed in paragraph three, above) and equal or greater amounts in each subsequent year. What does all this mean? It only means the city will not have an additional $43,000 to spend in the following year's budget. And of course this is only a projection $43,000 in new property taxes would be collected if property values go up as discussed in paragraph three. No one can effectively predict how many people will turn 65, how many will sell to under 65, how many new homes will be built by over 65 and under 65 and so forth. But with the continued growth and building of new homes in Rockport, the ever increasing amounts of sales tax returns, the continued increases in charges for services and the revenues from licenses, permits, intergovernmental revenue, fines and fees, etc, I cannot see how the loss of these few dollars, due to the freeze of homestead property taxes for those over 65, will have very much of an impact on the future of city revenues. Correct me if I am wrong.
I think the advised citizens of Rockport have made up their minds and will vote their convictions. Whether you vote for the tax freeze or against, please vote.
Sources:
* Aransas County Appraisal District
** City of Rockport 2004-2005 Budget
Ralph and Jeanette Morgan
Dear Editor,
I was quite amazed when I opened up your paper to your column Wednesday and read your half page tirade against the tax freeze and what seemed like seniors in general. Evidently you and I don't live in the same neighborhood or run in the same social circles. The lady who owns her home directly behind me is in her late 80s and is blind and does without the benefit of air conditioning because she can't afford it on a fixed income. The man next door to her who is over 77 and has diabetes, has to work just to pay the taxes on his home. The couple who lived two doors down from him couldn't pay both their medical bills (the wife was dying of cancer) and buy groceries so my neighbor next door who is in her 70s bought groceries on her fixed income and took them to this couple. Another lady I met while in line to fill prescriptions told me she and her husband both have heart problems but are thankful for their two fans because they also can't afford air conditioning.
The average senior over 65 lives on a fixed income with very little health insurance. Those who have Medicaid also have additional health care costs which are not covered. They pay the same price for food, gas, utilities, etc. everyone else does. They also have added prescription costs because of their age and condition of their bodies. Even the ones with added investment income are not receiving much extra these days with the economy the way it is. Savings accounts are only yielding a little over one percent now.
When people like our mayor go out and address forums against this tax freeze as an individual and not an elected official is it because he is ashamed of his stance? He also knows the average senior does vote.
Yes, there are seniors who have grandchildren in our schools but they are also buying food, clothing, etc. for these children and paying for their college tuition also.
The tax freeze is just that. A freeze, not forgiven or dismissed. Seniors will still be paying taxes.
Seniors also subscribe to your paper and also buy it on the stands. Maybe they need to take a look and see if this an added expense they don't need.
Thelma Loftin
Dear Editor,
Once again I'm struck by a comment from one of the supposed Citizens for Responsible Government. Who is the group of naysayers who interfered in the harborfront project who now rally to take more away from City government, one of our smallest taxing entities who provide the most service. How do they know what is best for Rockport and what the City is trying to accomplish responsibly when they don't attend the council and budget workshops? Who is their president? Is Helen Casterline their spokesperson? How does one become a member or are they exclusive? Must you believe without balance or fact what they believe in order to join and where do they meet?
I was unable to confirm with other realtors the facts on people leaving to higher tax rate cities Casterline expressed in her last letter. In fact the law is so new it is amazing that she has already drawn such conclusions. After the Chamber luncheon, of which all were invited to attend (open mike) I met with Mayor Pearson and he expressed disappointment no one from the opposition came to make their case. The luncheon was well announced and members like Casterline were emailed in advance. One should know special invitations are not sent on matters of this nature nor do cities send out special invitations for you to attend workshops or Council meetings. I would submit our Mayor is very concerned, very intelligent, willing to listen and do what's best for Rockport and "very cool."
Unfortunately in elections the majority is not always so, it more boils down to which side got out and voted more. Unlike the protesters in the presidential inauguration we accept the end result as being the way our system works. Let us support our local government and if not find someone who can do a better job, and good luck trying.
My last words on the freeze are, vote no.
Lee Copeland
Dear Editor,
Approximately two weeks ago, I left my purse at Wal-Mart. Just to replace my driver's license, military identification, other identifications, and a credit card would be real time consuming and costly. Fortunately, someone turned my purse in with everything intact. I am very grateful and would like to thank this person personally. Please contact me at 729-2334 to describe the purse, and where it was found. I am very indebted to you for being so kind.
Honey Shepherd
Dear Editor,
Mike, I couldn't agree with you more. You may be dumb but you are not stupid. Your editorial opinion in the Wednesday, Jan. 26 edition of The Rockport Pilot only leans a little towards dumb. The single glaring issue in this argument fails to be pointed out by either side. Appraisals drive taxes, not the tax rate. The politician and you tell us that our tax rate is lower than everybody elses. Big deal, increasing appraisals every year and more building makes for more income to the government and higher taxes to us. The tax appraisal district is the slickest political idea since FDR's social security. There was a time when we could march into city hall and scream bloody murder at the politician who raised our taxes. No more. Appraisals come from employees paid by tax money.
Are you saying to us there is no fat in the city budget? You never mention spending. How about some money saving ideas from our Aransas politicos? How about some term limits? How about combining duplication of service in the city and county? How about eliminating the Navigation District? Why do we have three separate law enforcement groups in the County? When Aransas County Independent School District set up a police department, it caused more administration, more employees, more pension expenses, increased costs, and more taxes. Doesn't the school reside within the City and in the County, who already have excellent departments? I understand political entities have obligations but they do not have an obligation to constantly create more.
I'm not whining about taxes Mike, I'm shouting it. We pay way too much and politicians think they have a never ending well in which to dip into for more money. If you want to pay more taxes, feel free, and send them all you like. I recently canceled my home telephone line because the taxes (fees) were more than the service itself. I also recently bought a marriage license. The cost is $14.50 for the license but fees and government mandated charges totals to $37. I still got married.
Did you ever think if you owned a couple of acres out here somewhere and your annual taxes were, let's say, $350, then one day you go to Brachts and buy wood, cement, tile, wire, fixtures, roofing, and everything else necessary to build you a 2,000 square foot house. Then you store all that on your property and covered it with a big tarp and your taxes remained at $350. Seems fair? Now go out there and nail all that stuff together, move in with your family to have a roof over your head and the annual taxes go to $3,000 or more per year. Oh, I almost forgot about all of our citizens who pay tuition to privately educate their children and school taxes as well. Life is not fair but again, Mike, I agree with you, "it's not right."
Ernest J. Alexander
Dear Editor,
I read your editorial on the tax freeze. My husband is over 65. He worked for the Houston Independent School District for 23 years and retired under the TRS System. Well, he hasn't had a cost of living raise since Bush was Governor and what cost of living raise we got was swallowed up by the greedy pharmaceutical companies. I say people over 65 deserve to have the city taxes frozen. After all, young people working today do get periodic cost of living raises. We don't know when we can expect one and the cost of living keeps going up. So maybe you should consider that fact before you say it isn't fair for people over 65 to have the city taxes frozen.
Cynthia Vetrees
Dear Editor,
On May 27, more than 200 students will graduate from Rockport-Fulton High School. After the graduation ceremony, every graduate will have the opportunity to attend the 17th Annual Chemical-Free Project Graduation Party. The goal of Project Graduation is to throw a party that allows our children to celebrate this special time in their lives in a safe and drug-free environment.
Project Graduation parties are successful because we offer our graduates great food, non-alcoholic drinks, fun games, and great prizes throughout the evening. As in past years, all the great prizes throughout the evening for the 2005 celebration will be made possible through donations from generous businesses and people in our community. We welcome cash donations as well as gift certificates and merchandise such as televisions, computers, bicycles, stereos, dorm refrigerators, microwaves, and food and beverage items for the party. All donations are tax deductible.
Should you wish to contribute to Project Graduation, cash and merchandise donations may be delivered to Liz Flinn, Project Graduation Treasurer at the ACISD Central Office, 1700 Omohondro. Please make checks payable to Project Graduation 2005. For your convenience, checks and gift certificates may be mailed to:
Project Graduation 2005
c/o Aransas County ISD
P.O. Box 907
Rockport, TX 7838
Attention Liz Flinn
We will also be glad to pick up donations. If you want to schedule a pick up, or if you have any other questions about Project Graduation, please call Sheryl Matlock, Project Graduation chairperson, at 729-9169 or Liz Flinn, Project Graduation treasurer, at 790-2204.
With continued support from our community, we will be able to continue a 17-year tradition of providing our Rockport-Fulton graduates with a wonderful evening and enough memories to last a lifetime. On behalf of the Class of 2005, thank you for your support of Project Graduation.
Keep our leaders of tomorrow safe. Support Project Graduation 2005.
Sheryl Matlock
Project Graduation Chairperson
Tonight I had the opportunity to watch my son, a member of the RFHS Pirates, play another nail biter. This time it was against Calallan. It was a good game but like all of us I wish our boys would have won. But that is not what is prompting me to write this letter. It was what took place in the closing seconds of the game which gave me cause for pause and sadness.
It was obvious I was sitting next to two gentlemen who were for the other team. They seemed to be very interested in giving guidance to the officials' as well as the players, as we all tend to do, although they were not rude. I noticed one of them was recording all the statistics of the game on a palm pilot. In the last few seconds of the game a woman from Rockport whom I do not know stood up and walked in front of me and the two men and just stood there intentionally blocking our view. She was stepping to the right and the left to block the view of the two men. One of the gentlemen said to the woman, "Excuse me, we can't see the game." She then turned around and said "I am trying to watch the game, too." More words were exchanged. It was obvious at that point she was making a statement and this is what gave me pause.
See, my son is a senior and this will be his last year to play high school basketball. He will graduate with his classmates and start his life as an adult. He will then report to Marine Corps Recruit Training at Camp Pendleton, CA to join a group of men and women in the defense of our great nation. He will defend our freedom to go to high school basketball games, the movies, for walks, to church, or pretty much where ever we choose. I realized what was important in that moment was just seeing my sons face and knowing he was safe, not looking at someone's backside and hearing her rude comments to the two men who also probably had sons playing in this game.
Oh how soon we forget the preciousness of our children and what truly is important in life. It is not whether we win or lose but that we get to play. The clock's final seconds ticked off and the game was over. I stood up with the two men who had sat next to me and put out my hand. I told them thanks for a good game and not every one in Rockport is "that way."
I watched my son run off the court with his teammates into the locker room. I can't wait to tell him how proud of him I am, and I know he will make a fine man and an outstanding Marine.
"Lest we forget.." Thank you Lcpl Matthew Holloway and all the others who have stood and are still standing in harm's way so we could be in Rockport tonight at a basketball game.
Thomas Ralph, USN,FMF(Ret)
"It was an honor to serve"
Dear Editor,
I would assume the construction work on Highway 35 must be being paid for by the hour, and the company is making a killing at taxpayers' expense. Never has so little been done by so few in such a long time. The business establishments are paying dearly for this.
John Phippen
Dear Editor,
One of the best recreational facilities in Rockport-Fulton and the county is the Community Aquatic Park. The park benefits young and old alike.
Here's just a few of the groups using the facility on a year round basis:
Cecil Frost, a long-time Rockport resident, saw the need for Rockport to have a Community Aquatic Park. She donated the land, considerable funding and worked on the project to its conclusion.
Now it's up to the county to live up their funding agreement of this facility.
Renatta Heller-Moak
Dear Editor,
I read with interest quotes from Mayor Todd Pearson's speech to the recent Chamber of Commerce luncheon group.
I would agree wholeheartedly the city is a residential community, as well as a retirement community. It is also a second home haven, and soon to become a bedroom community to Corpus Christi.
Building is our major industry with retail business springing up to service this expanding market. People are moving here in droves and we are fast becoming a seller's market as housing production can hardly keep up with the demand and prices continue to rise. Existing homes are changing hands rapidly as their owners' increased values create a temptation to sell and downsize to smaller homes. The reason is simple; Live Oak Peninsula, this paradise on which we live, is the most relatively unspoiled and ecologically rich area on the entire Gulf Coast. There is nothing else like it.
There is, in fact, only one major obstacle to our continued growth. That is the cost of living here; and taxes are a major factor. Our tax burden is high. In one of the smallest counties in the state (excluding the bays) we have more than our share of governmental agencies. We not only pay city taxes but county, school district, and Navigation District, as well. As taxes rise, and they have every year for the past fourteen, budgets go up proportionally. In other words, they seem to always find a way to spend the money.
We are now contemplating a vote on the proposed homestead tax freeze for over 65 and disabled homeowners. This freeze will be little more than an added incentive for those planning to move and retire here.
The county has already recognized the merits of this measure and voted it into law. The mayor's council voted against it - hence prompting the coming special election.
If our governing bodies could adopt some fiscal responsibility, eliminate duplication of services, and provide more efficient government, we all would be better off, retired and non-retired alike. Believe me, taxes will continue to increase and the only relief will be through more prudent use of our tax dollars.
Whatever age, if you want to see our area continue to grow and prosper this small benefit for retirees should be adopted. If you are 65 or have hopes of reaching that plateau, go to City Hall today and vote for.
Carl C. Krueger
Dear Editor,
We in Rockport will shortly be voting to approve a proposal to freeze the property tax for those 65 and over regardless of personal wealth or income. The following, taken from a letter to the editor of the Dallas/Fort Worth Star-Telegram by North Richland Hill Councilman Frank Metts Jr., is an excellent explanation of why we should vote against this proposal:
"The senior tax freeze does benefit seniors initially, but at great expense to the vast majority, including their children and grandchildren. More correctly, the senior tax freeze should be called a permanent tax increase on everyone who isn't a senior. If enacted, the senior tax freeze will begin a permanent transfer and a steady increase of tax burden to our children and grandchildren. In a few years, when the baby boomers become seniors, the burden on our children will increase dramatically.
"My guess is that most of the people who voted for the constitutional amendment didn't fully understand the consequences. Without exception, when I explain the impact to seniors, they are embarrassed and ashamed to be a part of such action. Seniors want to be independent and are proud to pay their own way."
I encourage everyone to think about councilman Mett's words and the impact of the proposed tax freeze on the future of the Rockport community and its public servants.
Please vote "no" to the proposed freeze.
Robert Ustruck
Dear Editor,
As you read this letter we are in the middle of an election to determine if the City of Rockport should implement a tax freeze on the homesteads of those people over 65 and/or disabled. You may recall we voted on a Texas Constitutional Amendment, Proposition 13 in 2003. The citizens of Aransas County passed that proposition with 82 percent of the voters in favor of Proposition 13. In the state, the results were just about the same with 80 percent in favor of the proposition.
If voted for by the citizens of Rockport, what effect will this freeze, on homestead property taxes for those over 65, have on the city budget? Lets look at the real facts, not those distorted by the misguided. Some people would have you believe all taxes on homesteads owned by those over 65 and/or disabled will no longer be collected once the freeze is implemented. Not the case at all. Let's evaluate the real facts. The total taxable value of all properties in Rockport is $851,079,944*. The taxable value of property homesteaded in Rockport is $336,770,286*. The taxing rate in Rockport per $100 evaluation is .2557*. The 2004-2005 city budget (Revenues)is $17,460,708**. Of those revenues, only $2,198.528** or about 12 percent is funded from ad valorem or property taxes. Of the $2.2M** from ad valorem taxes, $861,122 in tax revenues will come from all properties homesteaded. There are 2,102* homesteaded properties in Rockport. Of these 2,102* homesteads about half, or 1,044*, are owned by people over 65. This means about half of the $861,122 or approximately $430,000 of the budget's funding is from taxes paid on homesteads by those over 65. This amount will continue to be collected for all the years after the tax freeze is implemented. (These taxes cannot go up unless improvements are made to the property, which enhances the value.)
Now the first year after the freeze is implemented, assuming all property values of those homesteads belonging to the over 65 group are increased by 10 percent, the maximum allowed by state law, the city could lose $43,000 in new taxes. But that is the projected amount and these will be new taxes lost, not old taxes lost. We know all property values will not be increased 10 percent but will be increased in varying percentages and furthermore, some of these homes could/will be sold to buyers who are under 65 years of age and some new homes will be bought by new citizens over 65 or citizens will turn 65 but the varying percentages (less than 10%) should hold that dollar figure.
Again, the city revenues are $17,460,708**and the maximum lost new tax revenues for the first year, after the tax freeze is implemented, could be up to $43,000 (more or less as discussed in paragraph three, above) and equal or greater amounts in each subsequent year. What does all this mean? It only means the city will not have an additional $43,000 to spend in the following year's budget. And of course this is only a projection $43,000 in new property taxes would be collected if property values go up as discussed in paragraph three. No one can effectively predict how many people will turn 65, how many will sell to under 65, how many new homes will be built by over 65 and under 65 and so forth. But with the continued growth and building of new homes in Rockport, the ever increasing amounts of sales tax returns, the continued increases in charges for services and the revenues from licenses, permits, intergovernmental revenue, fines and fees, etc, I cannot see how the loss of these few dollars, due to the freeze of homestead property taxes for those over 65, will have very much of an impact on the future of city revenues. Correct me if I am wrong.
I think the advised citizens of Rockport have made up their minds and will vote their convictions. Whether you vote for the tax freeze or against, please vote.
Sources:
* Aransas County Appraisal District
** City of Rockport 2004-2005 Budget
Ralph and Jeanette Morgan
Dear Editor,
I was quite amazed when I opened up your paper to your column Wednesday and read your half page tirade against the tax freeze and what seemed like seniors in general. Evidently you and I don't live in the same neighborhood or run in the same social circles. The lady who owns her home directly behind me is in her late 80s and is blind and does without the benefit of air conditioning because she can't afford it on a fixed income. The man next door to her who is over 77 and has diabetes, has to work just to pay the taxes on his home. The couple who lived two doors down from him couldn't pay both their medical bills (the wife was dying of cancer) and buy groceries so my neighbor next door who is in her 70s bought groceries on her fixed income and took them to this couple. Another lady I met while in line to fill prescriptions told me she and her husband both have heart problems but are thankful for their two fans because they also can't afford air conditioning.
The average senior over 65 lives on a fixed income with very little health insurance. Those who have Medicaid also have additional health care costs which are not covered. They pay the same price for food, gas, utilities, etc. everyone else does. They also have added prescription costs because of their age and condition of their bodies. Even the ones with added investment income are not receiving much extra these days with the economy the way it is. Savings accounts are only yielding a little over one percent now.
When people like our mayor go out and address forums against this tax freeze as an individual and not an elected official is it because he is ashamed of his stance? He also knows the average senior does vote.
Yes, there are seniors who have grandchildren in our schools but they are also buying food, clothing, etc. for these children and paying for their college tuition also.
The tax freeze is just that. A freeze, not forgiven or dismissed. Seniors will still be paying taxes.
Seniors also subscribe to your paper and also buy it on the stands. Maybe they need to take a look and see if this an added expense they don't need.
Thelma Loftin
Dear Editor,
Once again I'm struck by a comment from one of the supposed Citizens for Responsible Government. Who is the group of naysayers who interfered in the harborfront project who now rally to take more away from City government, one of our smallest taxing entities who provide the most service. How do they know what is best for Rockport and what the City is trying to accomplish responsibly when they don't attend the council and budget workshops? Who is their president? Is Helen Casterline their spokesperson? How does one become a member or are they exclusive? Must you believe without balance or fact what they believe in order to join and where do they meet?
I was unable to confirm with other realtors the facts on people leaving to higher tax rate cities Casterline expressed in her last letter. In fact the law is so new it is amazing that she has already drawn such conclusions. After the Chamber luncheon, of which all were invited to attend (open mike) I met with Mayor Pearson and he expressed disappointment no one from the opposition came to make their case. The luncheon was well announced and members like Casterline were emailed in advance. One should know special invitations are not sent on matters of this nature nor do cities send out special invitations for you to attend workshops or Council meetings. I would submit our Mayor is very concerned, very intelligent, willing to listen and do what's best for Rockport and "very cool."
Unfortunately in elections the majority is not always so, it more boils down to which side got out and voted more. Unlike the protesters in the presidential inauguration we accept the end result as being the way our system works. Let us support our local government and if not find someone who can do a better job, and good luck trying.
My last words on the freeze are, vote no.
Lee Copeland
Dear Editor,
Approximately two weeks ago, I left my purse at Wal-Mart. Just to replace my driver's license, military identification, other identifications, and a credit card would be real time consuming and costly. Fortunately, someone turned my purse in with everything intact. I am very grateful and would like to thank this person personally. Please contact me at 729-2334 to describe the purse, and where it was found. I am very indebted to you for being so kind.
Honey Shepherd
Dear Editor,
Mike, I couldn't agree with you more. You may be dumb but you are not stupid. Your editorial opinion in the Wednesday, Jan. 26 edition of The Rockport Pilot only leans a little towards dumb. The single glaring issue in this argument fails to be pointed out by either side. Appraisals drive taxes, not the tax rate. The politician and you tell us that our tax rate is lower than everybody elses. Big deal, increasing appraisals every year and more building makes for more income to the government and higher taxes to us. The tax appraisal district is the slickest political idea since FDR's social security. There was a time when we could march into city hall and scream bloody murder at the politician who raised our taxes. No more. Appraisals come from employees paid by tax money.
Are you saying to us there is no fat in the city budget? You never mention spending. How about some money saving ideas from our Aransas politicos? How about some term limits? How about combining duplication of service in the city and county? How about eliminating the Navigation District? Why do we have three separate law enforcement groups in the County? When Aransas County Independent School District set up a police department, it caused more administration, more employees, more pension expenses, increased costs, and more taxes. Doesn't the school reside within the City and in the County, who already have excellent departments? I understand political entities have obligations but they do not have an obligation to constantly create more.
I'm not whining about taxes Mike, I'm shouting it. We pay way too much and politicians think they have a never ending well in which to dip into for more money. If you want to pay more taxes, feel free, and send them all you like. I recently canceled my home telephone line because the taxes (fees) were more than the service itself. I also recently bought a marriage license. The cost is $14.50 for the license but fees and government mandated charges totals to $37. I still got married.
Did you ever think if you owned a couple of acres out here somewhere and your annual taxes were, let's say, $350, then one day you go to Brachts and buy wood, cement, tile, wire, fixtures, roofing, and everything else necessary to build you a 2,000 square foot house. Then you store all that on your property and covered it with a big tarp and your taxes remained at $350. Seems fair? Now go out there and nail all that stuff together, move in with your family to have a roof over your head and the annual taxes go to $3,000 or more per year. Oh, I almost forgot about all of our citizens who pay tuition to privately educate their children and school taxes as well. Life is not fair but again, Mike, I agree with you, "it's not right."
Ernest J. Alexander
Dear Editor,
I read your editorial on the tax freeze. My husband is over 65. He worked for the Houston Independent School District for 23 years and retired under the TRS System. Well, he hasn't had a cost of living raise since Bush was Governor and what cost of living raise we got was swallowed up by the greedy pharmaceutical companies. I say people over 65 deserve to have the city taxes frozen. After all, young people working today do get periodic cost of living raises. We don't know when we can expect one and the cost of living keeps going up. So maybe you should consider that fact before you say it isn't fair for people over 65 to have the city taxes frozen.
Cynthia Vetrees
Dear Editor,
On May 27, more than 200 students will graduate from Rockport-Fulton High School. After the graduation ceremony, every graduate will have the opportunity to attend the 17th Annual Chemical-Free Project Graduation Party. The goal of Project Graduation is to throw a party that allows our children to celebrate this special time in their lives in a safe and drug-free environment.
Project Graduation parties are successful because we offer our graduates great food, non-alcoholic drinks, fun games, and great prizes throughout the evening. As in past years, all the great prizes throughout the evening for the 2005 celebration will be made possible through donations from generous businesses and people in our community. We welcome cash donations as well as gift certificates and merchandise such as televisions, computers, bicycles, stereos, dorm refrigerators, microwaves, and food and beverage items for the party. All donations are tax deductible.
Should you wish to contribute to Project Graduation, cash and merchandise donations may be delivered to Liz Flinn, Project Graduation Treasurer at the ACISD Central Office, 1700 Omohondro. Please make checks payable to Project Graduation 2005. For your convenience, checks and gift certificates may be mailed to:
Project Graduation 2005
c/o Aransas County ISD
P.O. Box 907
Rockport, TX 7838
Attention Liz Flinn
We will also be glad to pick up donations. If you want to schedule a pick up, or if you have any other questions about Project Graduation, please call Sheryl Matlock, Project Graduation chairperson, at 729-9169 or Liz Flinn, Project Graduation treasurer, at 790-2204.
With continued support from our community, we will be able to continue a 17-year tradition of providing our Rockport-Fulton graduates with a wonderful evening and enough memories to last a lifetime. On behalf of the Class of 2005, thank you for your support of Project Graduation.
Keep our leaders of tomorrow safe. Support Project Graduation 2005.
Sheryl Matlock
Project Graduation Chairperson
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of rockportpilot.com.
Submit a Comment
We encourage your feedback and dialog, all comments will be reviewed by our Web staff before appearing on the Web site.
