Free speech relies on liberty. Liberty relies on democracy. Democracy relies on open elections. We have seen in the last election across the country where politicians erected barriers to the election process. For example, some polling sites had waits of two, four and six hours while others had five- or 10-minute waits.
Now in Madison County a new threat to elections may be happening. It is a post-election threat. One that uses the last election cycle to influence the next election cycle. People who had yard signs supporting Democratic candidates may be seeing unusually high property assessments.
A quick perusal of the county’s website seems to show most homeowners seeing an actual reduction in assessment. Many have moderate increases of 2 or 3 percent. But what about yard sign properties with an increase of 6 percent? What about a property that had no improvements in 10 years having an increase of 18 percent? And I have heard of increases of 100 to 200 percent. Of course, you can appeal these increases with the same people who raised them.
My survey is small and sometimes anecdotal, but is this merely coincidence? If just one case of retribution is true, it is still wrong and we need to know about it. Perhaps the assessor would like to address this issue. Perhaps the other homeowners could tell about their reassessment increases. Perhaps the best way to defend fairness and democracy is to have long memories when we return to the polls.
Joe Carney
Anderson
Letters
January 22, 2013
Letter: Reassessment increases questioned
- Letters
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Letter: Community has witnessed Dr. Campbell's good works
Dr. Frank Campbell has practiced medicine in the Anderson community for over 40 years.
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Letter: Big Brother is listening; what is he learning?
Big Brother is listening. If you are too young to know where this came from, read George Orwell's "1984." Old George was just 29 years ahead of his time.
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Letter: County did not need tax on transportation
Wheel tax! The straw that broke the back for many. Note the number who have been forced to file for bankruptcy and the number in foreclosure on homes.
- Viewpoint: Theatrics displayed in County Council's wheel tax vote I was present at the Madison County Council meeting on May 13 to discuss reinstating the wheel tax. I was both amused and amazed by the theatrics that transpired.
- Letter: Indy 500 had strong Anderson presence What a day for Anderson at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's 500-mile race! Sitting in the pole position was Ed Carpenter, son-in-law of Alberta and Todd Pettigrew of Anderson.
- Letter: Stand against segregation upheld In the early ’60s, Sister Mary, Sister Cletus and others of The Congregation of Holy Cross (CCS) served on a committee for the United Way.
- Letter: Letter carriers collected 49,785 pounds of food On behalf of the NALC Branch 489 (Anderson Post Office), I would like to thank everyone who donated food or made a monetary donation to our May 11 food drive.
- Letter: Rein in government officials' million I want to know how at the time officials are sworn into office they have estates worth "X" amount. But, after a few years in office, their wealth has risen by millions?
- Letter: States rights crowd are obstructionists Wall Street and the Republicans want the Internal Revenue Department restructured. Yeah — like so they pay no taxes. They also want the states running their own affairs (states rights).
- Letter: Only 3 councilmen listened to public As Kojak would say,“ Who loves ya, baby?”
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Letter: Community has witnessed Dr. Campbell's good works
