LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Taxed to death in the city of Dover

I am writing in response to the letter to the editor in Sunday’s, July 19th, DSN titled “‘Empty rhetoric’ is not what Dover needs right now,” written by Mr. and Mrs. Alan Gaddis of Dover. I must disagree with the authors of this letter and find it disturbing that Mr. and Mrs. Gaddis call others’ personal opinions and expressions of financial hardship in not being able to afford a city-tax increase “rhetoric.” As a minority of this city who works very hard and struggles to put food on the family table, pays their bills, fair share of taxes and contributes in trying to make Dover a better place for their children, I find it difficult to communicate on the same level as Mr. and Mrs. Gaddis, who appear to be trying to “keep up with the Joneses” in supporting a hefty property-tax increase. I cannot understand how anyone could support such a magnitude of a city tax increase when we are already being substantially taxed by the state, county and school district. I don’t think there are any more words to adequately express how disappointed many residents are with this 19.9-percent tax increase, based on prior letters, and how many residents eloquently express themselves on social-media sites. Many in Dover are still financially struggling from no raises or salary increases for several years, due to the economy. Many residents, if not most, were against a tax increase, but understand, if you want basic emergency services, you have to pay for them, but “Why do we have to pay for the unnecessary services in our city government?” is the real question. How about the $300k for a water park [“Officials mull location for Dover splash park,” article, July 22] and all of the overdue taxes? I find it odd, after four days of budget negotiations, these city politicians never got to the nitty-gritty of finding revenue to bring into the city. Where were the recommendations by the city manager and finance manager to bring in revenue? Many believe Dover does have a spending problem, including myself, but remember, Mr. and Mrs. Gaddis, these are only our opinions. I do agree with the Gaddises on “Let’s all work together,” but to try and bring in revenue to this city so we can all afford to live here. I personally wish our city politicians could have agreed on a lower, gradual tax increase instead of dropping the “A-Bomb,” specifically considering our economic climate. I cherish this great city and believe in Dover; it’s the city politicians I don’t believe in anymore, especially the ones who spend our hard-earned money on the advice of the city manager and never give us anything back.

Howard Williams Dover