Thank God for crystal balls! Well, not really. I think we can call it the "Nature of the Beast." GOVERNMENT SPENDING. Several months ago in this column, we warned of the future battle cry of the politicians. Cut our revenue and we have to cut vital services. It was just a matter of time. With various proposals on how to cut real estate taxes, politicians around the state are warning of cuts if their tax income is reduced. They just don't get it.
The government, local, state and national do not understand the concept. They are supposed to provide BASIC SERVICES, ex: Fire, Police, Infrastructure, Refuse Collection, etc. We do not need Local and State governments trying to fulfill roles for which it was not intended. Our tax dollars should not be used to finance projects that can not sustain themselves, nor pay for a cure to every social ill that comes down the pike. Look around and you see the waste from palm trees on the bridge to $25,000,000 for the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport and the list goes on and on. The government is taxing people out of their homes which is causing a glut on the market and in turn, is driving down prices. This snowball is rapidly going down hill and we have to stop it before it reaches the valley or it will be too late!
TO ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS ---------------ROLL BACK THE BUDGETS, ROLL BACK THE REAL ESTATE TAXES AND BRING ON THE CASINOS.
Here's a thought --------BASIC (essential) SERVICES (providing water, sewer, refuse, transportation, etc.). This is not rocket science.
Ric Cornelius is the Broker/Manager of Sand Key Realty Sales and Rentals, Inc. Sand Key Realty has three offices with 40 agents. One office is at 740 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, 727-443-0032; the second office is at 2701 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 727-595-5441; and the third office is at 309 Belleview Blvd., Belleair, 727-461-4200.