Understanding our politics today is challenging. Making sense of our laws and our rights as tax paying citizens is overwhelming in today’s climate. Government is too big, you can’t fix it, or your vote doesn’t matter anyway. Common statements of the last few decades.
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
Find out how to advertise here - Email us! [email protected]
Just like this presidential election there were plenty of gators in the swamp betting we weren’t going to vote. Oppression pushed us to turn out in great numbers. And “drain the swamp” became a battle cry.
But here in Missouri or even here in Daviess County do you consider draining the swamp in your community? Do you think about how your local elected officials handle the duties of government, plan for the future of your community and your business and your lives? Does it matter to you how your tax dollars are spent or how they are collected? Do you as a taxpayer understand the phrase “no taxation without representation?”
The following is a true to life ongoing example. In Jamesport a merchant’s license is required by the city to maintain a retail business. The cost was $10 a year until June 2016 when the cost of the license rose to $25. No explanation, no prior advisement, no notice of city council meeting, just the bill for $25.
Many merchants inquired, but the only comment rumored was “Chillicothe charges merchants $25.” This may or may not be true but it does not justify raising the cost of Jamesport Merchants Fee. But, by the way, Chillicothe has a budget, has a projected plan for the coming years, and helps immensely to promote downtown business. In fact, Chillicothe leaders help immensely with the promotion of Daviess and Caldwell Counties as well.
This in effect is “Taxation without Representation.” Investopedia describes it this way:
Taxation without representation is a situation in which a government imposes taxes on a particular group of its citizens, despite the citizens not consenting or having an actual representative deliver their views when the taxation decision was made.” This situation was one of the triggering events that spurred the original 13 American colonies to revolt against the British Empire.
Recently, I personally drafted a letter to the City of Jamesport requesting explanation of the $25 fee. Seven other merchants signed the letter as well. More could have signed, no more were asked. The letter was mailed on the 21st day of March. Several days later I received a letter for the City of Jamesport dated the 22nd telling me my rental property was in violation of the City Public Nuisance Ordinance and a list of what needs to be done to be in compliance with their ordinance.
This was obvious retaliation to me for making a request about tax on me that was improperly imposed as was the nuisance order. Falsely, I might add. My rental property is equal to or better than 60% of the homes in Jamesport. This would include the current Mayor of Jamesport residence whose name appears on the order of property clean up of which was sent to my tenant as well as myself. I was sent this notice as harassment as it is not my property that looks like a salvage yard around the house but the mayor’s.
Taxation without Representation is tyranny and yes, $25 isn’t that much. But the arrogance of any government to treat the tax payer in this manner so disrespectfully is shameful.
Fixing our government overall begins at the grass roots, folks. Think about the future of your community. Take an interest and help make the right choices. It’s your duty and your right as an American Taxpaying Citizen.
Denise Felderman, Owner Jamesport Mercantile