Editor:

Raising the tax rate on airplanes in Cumberland County is wrongheaded.

District Two Supervisor Lloyd Banks sounds more like Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders — tax the rich; they have endless wealth.

The problem with raising tax rates is the same as the problem with socialism — eventually you run out of other people’s money.

The counties here in Southside should consider lowering all tax rates on so-called luxury items, things like airplanes, RVs and boats.

This would attract more retirees to the area who would bring new money and wealth with them. Retirees would buy and improve properties and thus tax revenues. Retirees do not further burden the social welfare or education infrastructure, but they do help pay for it. Retirees would support expanded retail and services.

Moreover, if the Southside had zero personal property tax rates on luxury items like Prince William County, we would see storage and service facilities built for those items. This would increase property tax values, ergo revenues, without requiring increased water and sewer infrastructure.

I feel for counties like Buckingham and Cumberland that cannot attract businesses and continue to see property values fall.

Raising tax rates on a declining tax base will just add to their revenue woes. Embracing projects like the Atlantic Pipeline and other growth is the way forward.

I am reminded of the Pamplin City resident who told me, “We don’t want growth here, but a Starbucks would be nice.” Well, they got the first part of their wish, which is why they’ll never get the second part.

Paul Hoffman

Prospect