THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, January 28, 1997 TAG: 9701280002
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: 29 lines
I have lived in Virginia Beach for over 40 years, since before it was even a city. My husband was in the Navy, and I am a retired Realtor. We raised five children, were active in their sports and have known many people from all over the country. I can't remember ever once hearing anyone say they wished we had a professional hockey team here or that they would like to see a hockey game in person.
Since we bought our home in 1965, I have seen the property taxes go from $252.60 per year to over $1,600. I'm still paying over $400 a year for personal property tax, even though my two vehicles are 5 and 13 years old.
I am tired of everything being done on the backs of property owners, and I am very irritated now to read that Virginia Beach would have to contribute $660,000 a year to support the Rhinos if they come here. This would surely cause taxes to rise again.
I'm sorry, Norfolk, but I say ``No'' to the Rhinos. I don't want to pay more taxes so another city can have something which I think is probably going to fail.
Please, Virginia Beach City Council, give us a break. In real estate I worked with many people who were moving away from areas where exorbitant property taxes were driving them out. Don't let that happen to our city.
NANCY S. CLEMENTS
Virginia Beach, Jan. 17, 1997