Opinion
GUEST COLUMN: Appraisals don't make sense
Our property appraisals are currently as “fishy” as the Alabama River. Does anyone remember our Fourth District Senator, Zeb Little, screaming “turncoats and traitors” when several Democratic Senators joined with Republicans to oust then Democratic Senate President Pro Tem Lowell Barron in 2006? Apparently, some state senators decided to dispense with politics as usual, and joined together to work for the benefit of the people of Alabama. As an Independent conservative, I congratulate and commend politicians that look out for their constituents. They seem to truly realize why they are in the Senate, to represent the people of their district and not to simply perpetuate their political careers.
Sen. Little recently received some additional publicity from the Birmingham News, when, according to the story, he was primarily responsible for upsetting the efforts of some senators’ attempting to repeal taxes on groceries, as well as some senators attempting to end the annual property tax assessment. It seemed like a “win-win” situation; a political trade off that would have had everyone in the Alabama Legislature looking good. However, apparently, some factions, possibly the AEA, the benefactor of the property tax as I understand it, would not allow, or would not allow those politicians they control to approve the political trade off, and they sure didn’t want it to come to a vote. This is just my thinking, supposition on my part, and of course a lot is based on hear say. Actually, as in most political conversations we don’t know who, or what to believe; yes, confusion does seem to serve a political purpose. Has anyone suggested that the AEA controls Zeb? In conversation with Zeb, I was simply advised that we can’t believe anything printed in the Birmingham News.
I’ve mentioned the property tax assessments to Zeb, and to Jim Folsom. Our Lt. Governor has told me that he is working to return property reassessment to every four years. I haven’t seen any action on it yet, but Jim Folsom is as good as his word — just ask him.
I’ve also mentioned the continually increasing valuation of my property to Folsom and several other people, including my annual visits to our county “Kangaroo Board” (whatever they call themselves) that conduct hearings regarding property appraisals — they admittedly make a lot of mistakes. Based on conversations with friends all over Cullman County, the valuations aren’t based on any kind of logic, or markets, or anything else that makes any sense. The bottom line is that the politicians or AEA just want more money, and even though property values may be decreasing and nothing is selling anywhere, the only way to get more revenue without actually having a tax bill that likely wouldn’t pass, is to increase the value of our property.
I, like most people would like to sell my property for what the assessors say it’s worth, and probably like most people, I would like to have more of those political “turncoats and traitors” in office that Zeb talked about in 2006, to look out for my interests and to get some common sense back into government. Come election time, maybe we’ll see how many votes the AEA has compared to the citizens of Alabama.
- Opinion
-
-
Liberalism is reason for meth
In regards to the letter about the drug and meth problem that our community faces, you have shot your arrow at the wrong target, which is a common error.
-
Think carefully about alcohol
This letter is to the citizens of Hanceville. I want to ask each one of you to think carefully about the upcoming alcohol vote on March 2. Please consider how it will change Hanceville in the future.
-
Thankful for local leadership
At this time, we wish to express our appreciation to those who are willing to serve as members of the board of education in Cullman City and Cullman County schools.
-
No room for ‘devil’s brew’
Someone recently asked my opinion about the alcohol referendum on March 2 in Hanceville.
I said you mean the devil’s brew, the poison curse, the bloody monster that defiles innocence, dethrones reason, destroys the home, creates sickness and poverty, yea, literally takes food from the mouths of little children. -
Why do we print bad news?
There are a lot of great things about working in journalism. You get to meet fascinating people, tell the stories that matter to a community — both the little things and the big ones — and wake up every morning not knowing exactly what you’re going to do at work that day. No one can predict what the news day will bring.
-
Tell on friends to fix meth problem
A recent letter about methamphetamine had some merit. However, there are different ideas also.
-
Business casual
Now that the college football season has come to an end, the next best thing is finally in full swing: Bowl season.
-
What God sees
Every second that passes humans are leaving their imprint on Earth. Every minute of every hour of every day of every year, our global footprints are destroying what God gave to us. God made the Earth and every living thing on it and God said it was good. What might God say of our past stewardship? What does God see when he looks at earth?
-
Death penalty necessary
A radical Muslim murders 13 American soldiers at Fort Hood. Attorney General Eric Holder orders the trial of the 9/11 mastermind and four other terrorists held in New York City. Someone murders four police officers in Washington State.
-
Health care is a privilege
Health care is not a right. If health care is a right, then having society provide you with food and shelter must be a right, too. After all, you need food and shelter to survive. Unfortunately, too many people confuse needs with rights.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Liberalism is reason for meth
