Dear Source:
It's my opinion that the statement, "Something for Nothing", says it all. The article written by Lynda Lohr "Property-Tax Revaluations Through the Roof on St. John, Residents Say" is not only unjustified but simply unfair to the all the residents of the Virgin Islands.
Granted the government needs more money expand the infrastructure for our islands due to growth. But it is unreasonable that their demand for cash be raised by such a unfair method. We all have seen payroll raises for our senators beyond the national growth averages, embezzled funds by public utility personnel, and other squandering of public funds demands that cash be raised from some source.
Years ago as a safe guard against the raping of property tax payers, California proposition 13 was introduced. The actual title of this proposition is "People's Initiative to Limit Property Taxation" and it says it all. The same scenario was going on prior to this proposition as happening here. Talk of Tax Revolt and direct actions against those responsible for the misuse of funds was openly discussed.
Let me give you an example of those elected officials that sell you a bill of goods while on the pulpit but quickly become the cheeky bastards that have their hand in your pocket while smiling at you. Ongoing is the use of public funds attacking Roger W. Morgan and his WYAC-fm 93.5 radio program, "Free Speech". A radio program for any caller to voice their opinion on the air and for all Virgin Islanders to hear. You can agree or disagree but you have to agree that everyone has the right to free speech. When your senators use public funds to attack a resident of the Virgin Islands for hosting such a program, then there is their hand on your pocket. Public funds that now need to be replenished by outrageous property revaluations.
Granted that the value of property in the islands have increased and it's natural for properties to periodically be revalued. An equitable basis for revaluation should be applied across the board. You cannot expect a property owner who was just hit with a 500% increase to remain calm while others have less than a 10% increase.
Are we to allow ourselves to be taxed out of our property while watching senators grant themselves a 31 percent pay raise?
Appeal your revaluation by Aug 17th, "My ass!" A call for a similar Prop 13 for the Virgin Islands is desperately needed before someone looses their property. Support those elected officials that do what they say they will do and recall those who openly lie to us while asking for something and giving us nothing.
Larry Boecker
St. Thomas
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