Trending
To the Editor,
I'd like to share my position on Amendment 2 that you will be asked to decide this November.
I've always voted for what was best for me individually according to my circumstances at the time. I will be doing the same now and it benefits me to vote YES on Amendment 2 and give the West Virginia Legislature discretion to remove the tax I pay on my vehicles every year (side note, this will also remove the business inventory tax which is great for the cash flow of small and large local businesses).
I am elected to represent you as Commissioner, so I want to share my position on this as Commissioner because there is great financial impact at the County level to the tune of 20% of the County Budget. That is a lot for us, approximately $2 million.
For me, the question boils down to, why would I vote to give a special tax discount to a large business that wants to move to the area, then not vote to remove taxes from small businesses and citizens that have already been here building the community that we know. Many of these people pay a vehicle tax out of a fixed retirement budget, or in lieu of a family vacation. That just is not right.
A better economy does not start with raising taxes, we see this on a national level, and I don't want to make the same mistake locally. I want lower taxes and I believe that is the stimulus we need to create growth.
I also think it offers insight to know that the County Commission Association of West Virginia is publicly AGAINST amendment 2 because it removes revenue from their coffers. In my opinion, you elect your County Commissioners to figure out how to work with what you give them, not the other way around and we can do it, it just might not be easy.
There is a plan by the Legislature to replace the lost revenue, it's a short-term plan and it's not perfect but my solace is that the West Virginia Constitution provides that the State will make the County whole in these circumstances.
An ideal situation would be that lower taxes will create a climate that people and business will thrive in without the interference of government.
Please continue to vote for conscientious constitutional officials who think long term and big picture.
As a region and county, we will not only be OK, but we will also exceed our past successes. If you would like to share your opinion and perspectives with me, my info is on the county website.
I look forward to hearing how I can best represent your interests.
Eron Chek
Hancock County commissioner