2008.11.24
No representation without taxation
Radford Mayor Tom Starnes pointed out at the council meeting Monday night (Nov. 24) that Radford had abgout 1,000 new voters in the presidential election. He estimated that 70 to 80 percent of them were in the East precinct. (That's where most Radford University students would vote.)
"If they're residents of the city and they own vehicles they more than likely should be paying property taxes in the city," Starnes said.
So he wants to send each new voter a letter congratulating them on participating in the democratic process and telling them that since they've registered in the city, their cars need to be registered there, too.
"It probably would be a win-win situation," Starnes said. "Because the taxes here are cheaper."
-- Tim Thornton
Meals and sales taxes are paid, too. Lodging taxes when family or friends come to attend special events.
Property taxes are paid through rent. Presuming every voter owns a personal vehicle, though, is a stretch. One also must remember a particular date is used to determine whether personal property tax is due for the upcoming year, as per the city's own rules.
This simply casts the city, again, in a dim light and one can see why students may not feel welcome to venture off campus and patronize local business.
Comment by NRVA Citizen — November 25, 2008 @ 2:31 pm