Let’s Try a Paradise Tax
Let’s Try a Paradise Tax
Editor,
Being a Libertarian, more taxes are a Big no-no, but I’ve also said we need a “paradise tax” for our parks. Living in one of the most ideal climates should come with added responsibilities, ie. gladly paying for the privilege.
But with such low voter turnout, could a paradise tax pass? Hopefully yes, and a large portion will go to improving & expanding our green space; but should it not pass, here’s an alternative: Passing legislation to have out-of-town sales taxes returned to county of residency. How often are we spending in other counties when asked our zip code? This information is being collected, why not have the monies returned?
Shopping locally is a nice suggestion but too often we are forced to shop out of town for items not available locally, many are big-ticket items.
Years back (before shopping enlightenment) we purchased a car in Gilroy, with its tax rate higher and the car being registered in San Benito we received San Benito’s tax rate. Why can’t this work for buying household items at Costco, or worse, Walmart? Could the poorer counties of the state unite around this? Sounds grassroots to me, and therein lays more green space.
Now there’s a tax plan to make me smile.
P.S. To the powers that be: A big thank you for blocking any more big box stores. Someday this uniqueness will draw in tourists and I’m told those are a city’s favorite dollars; unless of course it’s free spending biker dollars.
Robin Pollard,
via e-mail
Try a Memorial Alternative
Editor,
I read your article regarding roadside memorials on your website with great interest. It was well written and informative.
Your readers would benefit from the knowledge there is an alternative to displaying a roadside memorial on public roads or right of ways. The National Memorial Registry (www.NationalMemorialRegistry.com) is Internet-based and offers free of any charge, the opportunity for any individual to dedicate a memorial location to a loved one. With the help of our extensive database of mapping software, a person can dedicate a specific address, site, or location in honor of, or to validate, the life of an individual that has an influence on their lives. Every memorial dedication is displayed on our maps for the world to view.
It is a well known fact that many individuals need to experience the grieving process through the display of a roadside memorial. All too often, local jurisdictions are regulating this practice. Some are limiting the time a memorial can be displayed, others are banning them. Some jurisdictions have regulations regarding the placement of memorials but local enforcement is not done, often by choice to help the grieving family. This same website has a database of information on many of the states, cities, and countries regarding their current and past position, and if available, current legislation regarding the placement of roadside memorials.
The National Memorial Registry is a source for:
n Free online memorial dedications
n Display of memorials on our world wide maps
n State regulations and news regarding public display of memorials
Please let your future readers know about this alternative. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Robert Sergent
President/CEO
National Memorial Registry
330 Rayford Road #162
Spring, Texas 77386
