EDITOR: I agree with most of the commentary in the editorial
headllined
“Open space comes with a pricetag” in the April 9 edition.
EDITOR:
I agree with most of the commentary in the editorial headllined “Open space comes with a pricetag” in the April 9 edition.
However, there is one untruth in the commentary and that is, a parcel tax is not the “most fair way“ to raise funds to compensate landowners who may have land in the proposed “open space” areas.
It would be fair if only parcel/property owners were the only voters allowed to vote for or against a parcel tax. They should be the only ones who should decide if they want the additional burden of more taxes against their properties. But, to allow all eligible voters, many of whom do not own real property in the areas mentioned for preservation, but, are renters, would not be fair. We property owners don’t like the idea of having someone who isn’t a landowner, say, via their vote, that a parcel tax should be imposed.
Further, why would a parcel owner want to vote to impose a parcel tax against their own property to help pay for the purchase of that same property? That doesn’t make any sense.
Bruno Martino,
Morgan Hill property owner
since 1953
