Reassess city spending practices

Sherry Shifflett Charlottesville
Published: April 4, 2008

In March a letter was sent to the mayor and Charlottesville City Council with heartfelt sentiment, more than about a dollar, though the dollar could cost me my home. I have not gotten a response.
I’m a very fortunate person. I had the pleasure and privilege of growing up here with the Paramount Theatre, Bibb’s Fish Market and Woolworth’s. I have been here since age 3, am 49 and have lived on the same street the last 20 years. I love this town and support it wholeheartedly.
Real estate taxes are rising absurdly. I have no clue how I will pay those taxes this year — none. What makes my street so valuable when the one on either side does not reflect the same? Water, sewer and gas rates continue to rise despite efforts of homeowners. The outcome is always the same, a rate increase. It’s alarming.
The city council needs to pull up its bootstraps, get rid of its sense of entitlement and get back to basics.
I would like to remind councilors that they work for the citizens of Charlottesville and it’s not their money. We’re communicating displeasure regarding the spending and no one is listening, nor are any changes being made.
It’s nice to improve upon amenities, as is participating in a loftier lifestyle. If we cannot pay taxes, heating bills, water bills or buy food, how often do you think we, the townspeople, will be enjoying the amenities?
Charlottesville is an expensive place because we’ve let it become such.
It cannot be changed single-handedly, but the mayor and council do have the power, authority and capability — if they choose to listen. It’s not too late to return to and preserve that “small town feel.” They would be doing this town the greatest service by re-assessing the city spending practices as opposed to its real estate.
If you care about Charlottesville and live here, I would suggest you become more aware and involved with where our tax dollars are going and with who is spending them — it could mean the difference in having a home or not having one.