Letter: Don’t penalize longtime residents for growth costs

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

The sole reason for this necessary increase, which I do not deny, has been caused by the outrageous, unbridled growth in this once-wonderful valley. No one in control has had the courage to say "No more," and consequently we are suffering from more crime and traffic gridlock. We have previously voted down similar requests for the police and schools.

Many of my acquaintances who are longtime residents agree with me that we have paid for all of the police, schools, parks, roads, sewers, etc., that we need. Indeed, I observe that a very high percentage of my current property taxes are for schools. Our contention is that the thousands of "Johnny Come Latelys" coming in each month should pay for their own through higher impact fees.

Additionally, ask yourself who are the real beneficiaries of this horrendous growth? The answer of course is the gaming, building and other ancillary businesses who do not appear to be paying their fair share.

Ordinary, longtime residents and especially we retirees are the ones most negatively affected by this growth which we do not need. Indeed, many have been uprooted from their homes to make way for additional freeways!

Herbert M. Burr