Carrying tax burden wearies a transplant to Austintown

Carrying tax burden weariesa transplant to Austintown
EDITOR:
First of all, let me say I think Austintown is a great place to live. I moved here nine years ago from a small town in Columbiana County. Shortly after moving here, a large tax levy was voted in place for Austintown schools. As much as it hurt to pay the increased taxes, I felt it was a good thing.
Now, we as homeowners are being asked again to pass another levy for schools. Also, the township is asking the homeowner to pass a levy. There are a few things that have come to mind that I would like to address.
(1) Why should anyone who doesn't pay property tax be allowed to vote on a levy? If I didn't have to pay any property tax, I certainly would vote for every tax that comes along that would be to my benefit. Austintown has a very large number of families who rent and thus pay no property tax, yet they reap all the same benefits as the property owners in the township. I know the standard argument is that the landlord pays taxes, but I'm sure it is not in the same proportion as the homeowner.
(2) Why can't the township have an income tax? This would assure that everyone would contribute to the schools and township. The more money you earn, the more you would pay. Also, anyone working here would pay. People pay where they work in other places, why not in Austintown? With an income tax, the property owner might be able to get somewhat of a break, if everyone was paying his or her share of the burden.
It seems to me that there has to be a better way to fund the township and schools without beating the property owner to death. The way things are now, you are being penalized for trying to better yourself by owning your own home. With the way taxes are, a person will never own his or her own home, because if you can't pay your property taxes you will have your home taken away. In closing, I don't know about other homeowners, but I am sick and tired of carrying the burden of funding all the programs for everyone who lives here.
JAMES OBENOUR
Austintown
Don't sell the Republicansshort in Youngstown races
EDITOR:
To twist a phrase made famous by President Reagan, "There they go again." The recent trip by Youngstown council members and the 7th Ward Democratic council candidate to inspect the Texas facility that Youngstown may use as a model for a downtown convention/recreation center smacks of the same arrogance that has pervaded local politics for years.
Even if Mr. Memmer paid his own way, bestowing the mantle of presumptive winner in the November race is inappropriate. This was the reason given in The Vindicator for his inclusion in the junket. I realize Republican candidates do not fare well locally, but their chances are not nonexistent. The 3rd Ward, where I live, has been well served in recent years by a Republican, Richard Atkinson, who has been re-elected by his constituents, and years ago by Emanuel Catsoules, another notable Republican. I believe even the 7th and 4th Wards have had Republican council members in recent decades. Jack Hunter, Hugh Frost, Lyle Williams and Charles Henderson, all Republicans, have overcome the Democrat bias to serve honorably, honestly and well. I have no less confidence in David Venerose, the Republican candidate in the race, to do the same, and am not about to concede the contest for the 7th Ward council seat to his opponent.
In another city, the Republicans would be outraged, but the local members don't speak up in situations of clear bias for unknown reasons. Perhaps we deserve to remain a minute minority.
T.L. WAGNER
Youngstown