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Letter: Vote Yes for Northampton Schools

September 27, 2020 by Wayne Creed 5 Comments

Letter to the Editor from Bill Payne of Cape Charles.

I support the 1% sales tax initiative proposed by the Northampton County Board of Supervisors.  Our young citizens deserve the best education the county can deliver, and this creative financing makes it affordable.  The prospect that Northampton County visitors will pay 45% of the additional tax makes it a “no brainer”.

Apart from the personal cost savings, I think we have an obligation as private citizens to do our part to energize the county’s economy.  We will never attract business and newcomers to our stagnant community if we do not demonstrate a desire to invest in educational excellence.

One may argue we should address other county challenges.  The fact is tackling the reconstruction of our schools at this point in time makes the most sense.  Opportunity is situational and the key factors have aligned – the high school is crumbling, interest rates are historically low, and the county’s debt ratios are sound.

Just as important as the fiscal considerations is the pressing need to address our failure to provide a socially and emotionally safe environment for our middle-schoolers.  It is simply a matter of near-criminal naiveté to comingle students just leaving grade school with young adults and expect positive outcomes.

I am hopeful other likeminded friends and neighbors will give the 1% sales tax referendum thoughtful consideration and vote “Yes for Northampton Schools” on or before November 3rd.

Bill Payne

Cape Charles

Filed Under: Bottom, News

Comments

  1. Ray Otton says

    September 27, 2020 at 10:09 am

    I have no idea if this tax is a good thing or a bad thing.

    I do know that the USA spends more per student than any other 1st world country and gets less in return so I’m not sure money is the answer.

    Reply
  2. Jane McKinley says

    September 27, 2020 at 1:27 pm

    Bravo, Bill!! Our town and county will not be able to thrive without a healthy school system. This is one way that we can affordably support that goal.

    Reply
  3. Dean says

    September 27, 2020 at 2:06 pm

    Be careful here!
    That’s how it started in 1988 on Long Island
    Then became out of control taxes started to fly off the charts . In some cases 15% it took the Governor to make a mandate not to increase taxes for schools by 2,5 % yearly . Ny still has the highest property tax rates In the nation . 61% of that goes to schools . Most of that covers salaries and benifits leaving little fir the supplies and building maintence . Bonds ( causing another increase in taxes separate from the yearly tax) are initiated for building upgrades . The education there is not as good as the money spent.
    I know I lived there.

    Reply
    • Colleen Kelley says

      September 28, 2020 at 1:10 pm

      I agree. Until it is managed properly what is the point of raising taxes? Throwing more money does not solve the problems. A good hard look at how our taxes are being used right now is what needs to happen. I am not sure why that is always the first thing that is suggested these days.

      Reply
  4. Lifelong says

    September 28, 2020 at 12:08 am

    Come on Dean do you really think that our children’s school is not important because things may spiral out of control tax wise like 1988! Taxes are a fact of life especially if you want to live in a great country! Let everyone contribute even tourists I think it is genius! Vote Yes!

    Reply

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