Historic Tax Credit has benefited Rowan

As North Carolina continues to restructure its budget, one major point of discussion has been the expiration of the state Historic Tax Credit program at the end of 2014.  Rowan County had been one of the top recipients of the state tax credits, directly resulting in an investment of more than $20 million.

Salisbury/Rowan Association of REALTORS® (SRAR) asserts that this tax credit is essential to encouraging individuals and businesses to invest in historic properties.  The conversation in Rowan County lately has been strongly focused on increasing revenues by bringing in new companies to bring in more jobs and help established companies grow.  Another way of growing “the economic pie” is to see an increase in property values.  When private individuals are able to purchase a property and restore it to its former glory, it benefits the entire neighborhood, making it a more desirable place to live. The more desirable a location is, the more people are willing to pay top dollar.  That is what increases surrounding properties’ values, and that of the community.

The Historic Tax Credit has played a crucial role in marketing and selling properties in historic areas in Rowan County, not just Salisbury. Because of the rich history of Rowan County, this tax credit is a huge economic incentive for prospecting property owners. The long-term benefit of the Historic Tax Credit far outweighs the cost.  SRAR strongly encourages the General Assembly, and most specifically Reps. Harry Warren and Carl Ford, along with Sen. Andrew Brock, to support reinstating the Historic Tax Credit. SRAR also encourages residents of Rowan County to contact their political representatives in Raleigh and urge them to support the Historic Tax Credit.

— Salisbury/Rowan Association of Realtors 

 

An apology to all 

I am writing this because every time I pick up the newspaper or turn on the TV, they’re full of all the evil people do or have done.

I would like to take this time to ask you for forgiveness and to make amends with all. I was born without any knowledge, a blank slate; somewhere during my learning process, I misinterpreted some things and developed some emotional problems. These have led to alcohol, drug and other emotional behaviors which I had no intentions of being victim to. So, I want to apologize to all the community which I have wronged. Even if it didn’t affect you directly, it did affect each of you indirectly — wasted tax dollars for law enforcement, courts, probation costs, etc.

I do want you all to know that I am actively involved in counseling and, most important, church. According to my counselor(s) and pastor, I am bettering myself toward being a decent and moral citizen who has a great chance of not relapsing into past behaviors. I just hope this shows that there is good in all and hope for any situation.

Please forgive me, as Jesus Christ has. All has been well since I gave my life 100 percent to the Lord. Just pray for me. Jesus will make sure I get the message.

— Jeff Long

Salisbury

Flag etiquette

While Hugh Fisher’s Sunday article re the fallen firemen was good and appropriate, I could not help but notice an error.

It is my understanding of flag etiquette that a flag is “lowered” to half staff, not raised. I believe that such a flag is raised to full staff and then lowered to half staff in these situations.

— Dick Martin