Aberdeen Communities Together Calls Citizens To Action

Dear Editor:

If your readers haven't been following the recent local newspapers, the retirement community of Carsins Run (AKA: Presbyterian Home of Maryland) and their lobbyists have convinced Del. Mary-Dulany James to propose a bill that would again require Harford County and the City of Aberdeen to wave (forgive) property taxes on all of their planned development for 15 years.  The bill as it was initially read may be seen by clicking here.

In this bill, Ms. James proposes a swap of this potential city revenue from Presbyterian Home but "in trade" would allow the county and city to impose a small hotel/room tax.  As I said in my original e-mail that requested citizens to call Ms. James' office to voice displeasure, I feel that this is blackmail and the two items, other than both having the word "tax" involved, are totally unrelated!

A couple of years ago, our telephone calls and e-mails to Del. Sheila Hixson,  chair of the Ways and Means Committee were responsible for her changing the "mandatory legislation" initially requested, to "enabling" legislation giving the county and the municipality a voice in Presbyterian Home's previous attempt at a tax exemption.  At that time, our city rejected the plan.

We, the group Aberdeen Communities Together, and I ask the public to again get involved and simply send an e-mail to Del. Hixson at sheila.hixson@house.state.md.us telling her how you feel  or if you prefer to call by telephone, her number has been given as (410) 841-3469.  She is a busy lady and you will probably speak to her aid, T.J. if you call.

ACT truly feels that our elected officials are doing what is right in this situation and would like to advise both delegate James and the State of Maryland that if the independent living areas of any retirement community are property tax exempt, all other properties housing retired citizens should also be granted the same benefit—by the way, I would be included!

If you would like to see a copy of my e-mail, or our City Mayor's, to Del. Hixson, contact me at neilcdoty@verizon.net and I will gladly forward them to you.
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Best Regards,

Chuck Doty

Property Taxes are the "Dragon"