Take Me To Post Comment Form When 2008 tax assessments were issued a few weeks ago, I expected property owners to vent their outrage at bloated valuations through blogging, Sound Off, and letters to the editor. Not so; I wonder why? Have we been convinced that we have to accept the inevitable, that there is nothing we can do? Local politicians are spending our money like it's water, witness the highly touted but little used joint airport when the Savannah Airport is less than 20 miles further from the Tradeport East mega park and would cost us nothing; the large Industrial Authority building that houses half a dozen "workers" at best; the grandiose justice center that's soon to be constructed; the local hospital operating at a loss for almost a decade; the tax assessor's office showing blatant favoritism in valuing property; the formation of "blue ribbon panels" to evaluate the actions of appointed boards. Why aren't the boards doing their jobs? Why do we need more checkers to check the checkers? The Commissioners ignore, or give lip service at best, to the recommendations, and often valid issues, of the Citizens Advisory Committee that was created to provide input from the people. Apparently, it was a good campaign plank but not much else. I could go on and on. When explaining the unrestrained spending, the usual answer is, "SPLOST will pay for it," or "the FAA provided funding," or "we haven't raised the millage rate," ignoring the fact that some property assessments doubled or tripled so the end result is the same. Either way, it's our taxes. I don't care if it's local sales tax, property tax, state tax, or federal tax. It still comes out of our pockets. Sure, property taxes are the most painful and hit harder because most of us have to actually write a check but it's all our money nevertheless!
I get the impression that pumping up egos and seeing their names in newspaper print are the prime motivators of many local leaders. I am sure there are some officials who disagree with all the spending and other irresponsible actions. Like me, they probably agree that expanding and creating new infrastructure is sometimes necessary but, also like me, they want fiscal responsibility as well. They often are one voice; most go along to get along rather than be viewed as obstructionist. Public service requires guts; the guts to speak out against wasteful spending, unfair treatment of citizens, and abuse of office. The sad part is that few do so. I doubt that July 15th will change anything.