4 days ago
In Nashville, everybody wants to be a millionaire — until they are
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I know some Nashvillians who wanted the rich to pay their fair share (whatever that is).
They never considered themselves rich until, lo and behold, they woke up one day and found out that the $400,000 home they over-paid for ten years ago is now worth a whopping one million dollars.
They have, by luck or design, joined that same exclusive 'Millionaire's Club' they've resented for years.
Now, they don't want the rich to pay their fair share… because they hate paying the increased real estate taxes that go along with the sky-rocketing value of their home.
However, no matter what, they never stop funding their pet projects, even if the money comes from continuing the deficit spending they have embraced for years.
They can't have it both ways.
More: With Nashville budget debate looming, some on council may lobby for lower property taxes
Do we want a city or state income tax? (Tennessee has neither.)
Do we want a state inheritance tax? (Tennessee doesn't have one.)
Do we want tolls on all our highways?
Do we want the European valued added tax of 20% on everything we buy, or our 9.75% sales tax?
More: Trio of Republican groups form coalition to oppose potential tax hike in Nashville
Every Tennessean is expected to live within their means. Yet some won't apply that same principle to our own town.
And they don't want to pay the higher taxes on their highly appraised properties.
Hypocrisy is alive and well and living in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dr. Steve Morris DDS (ret), Nashville 37205
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This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Meet Nashville's new millionaire's club: Your neighbors | Letters
