It isn’t the tax climate that draws people to NC

In reference to a Dec. 28 John Hood article “Here’s how to discourage NC influx”:

Mr. Hoods’ article states that North Carolina is growing by 281 people each day, and the reasoning is that those moving here are looking for lower taxes or a state that resembles their political preference. Well, I have to tell you that my husband and I toured the southeastern states and found that we loved NC.  It is much like New Hampshire, except the winter weather is milder and NH has clear blue water. Many of our friends have moved here for the same reasons.  NC is a beautiful state, with access to the mountains, the ocean and a major city when needed. We were going to move here in our retirement, but my husband died before we could make it. So, I decided to come by myself to be closer to my daughter’s family. And I came from NH.

NH has no income tax and no sales tax. I didn’t come here for tax relief.   Mr. Hood states, “don’t give up hope. Your best course of action is to vote for politicians who will make NC more like Illinois and New York by increasing taxes and regulations. That ought to fix the problem.”  Ya right, then there will be no influx of “foreigners” from NY, and NC natives will have to pay the higher taxes.  So, Mr. Hood, is that the kind of solution you want?

 — Susan Venne

Salisbury 

Prime time for council? 

Historically, meetings of the Salisbury City Council which begin at 4 p.m. are not often well-attended. At their last meeting, council members asked Salisbury residents to contact council members with their input on this matter. Unfortunately, the request did not receive general publicity.

Regardless of the start time, many citizens are unable to attend on a regular basis; however, moving the meeting time to begin between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. could make the meeting time more convenient than the currently scheduled 4 p.m.

Please contact at least one council member and let her/him know what start time would allow you to attend meetings more often. Council members email andtelephone contacts are below:

Mayor Karen Alexander

Email: Karen.Alexander@salisburync.gov

Tel. 704-638-5231

Mayor Pro Tem Maggic Blackwell

Email: Maggie.Blackwell@salisburync.gov

Tel. 704-754-7454

Council member Brian Miller

Email: Brian.Miller@salisburync.gov

Tel: 704-223-2181

Council member Kenneth Hardin

Email: Kenneth.Hardin@salisburync.gov

Tel: 704-640-3108

Council member David Post

Email: David.Post@salisburync.gov

Tel: 704-267-7000

— GeoRene Jones

Salisbury