Wvw Swimmers Off To Fast Start, Trounce Hazleton

Advertising Employee Is Times Leader's '94 Best

Tuesday, December 13, 1994 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 12A 





Columnist to the contrary, Pa.'s property tax is ripe for reform &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 I was disappointed to read Tom Bigler's recent column criticizing local tax
reformApparently, Mr. Bigler believes that the current property tax system
works well. He must think that a tax system which can tax people out of their
homes is just. How can he continue to defend a tax system based on people's
property rather than their ability to pay? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fortunately most Pennsylvanians do not see the world as Mr. Bigler sees it.
More importantly, it is encouraging to see that citizens -- from taxpayer
groups to county commissioners -- recognize the need for real change in our
tax system. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 For example, House Bill 2202 could have given Carbon County residents up to
a 49 percent tax cut in their county tax bill. Furthermore, many county
residents could have had their school property taxes but by one-third, with
Panther Valley residents getting up to a 76 percent property tax cut. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Mr. Bigler complains that people want more services, but less taxes. He is
mistaken. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 What people from Carbon County to Coatesville are tired of is a government
that taxes more and does less. We will pay taxes, if the system is fair and
the money is used wisely. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 One of the most important parts of tax reform is that each community will
decide, through referendum, if the new system is better than the old system.
Harrisburg does not want to dictate what is best for local counties. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Concerned commissioners and taxpayers deserve your support and
encouragement, Mr. Bigler, not your cheap shots. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Guy Ciarrocchi &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Counsel &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Senate finance committee &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Harrisburg &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Columnist To The Contrary, Pa.'s Property Tax Is Ripe For Reform I Was Disappointed To Read Tom Bigler's Recent Column Criticizing Local Tax Reform.