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To the Editor:
With the recent large increase in property assessments and the associated large increase in property taxes it is time for persons on fixed income to have some relief. It is time to implement HOMESTEAD LEGISLATION to protect these persons who have lived here all their life and are now retired and do not have the resources to deal with the large tax increases. These persons have been put in jeopardy by the influx of persons mainly from other states who are willing to pay exorbitant (inflated) prices for houses and/or property. This has driven house prices and property values to unprecedented levels and thus large increases in taxes. These people have, by no cause of their own, been overwhelmed.
By the use of HOMESTEAD LEGISLATION, the property taxes would be fixed at the level it was on their 70th birthday. In addition, the property taxes would be canceled for persons in the 80- to 85-year-old range. This would not apply to persons with incomes above $100,000 per year as adjusted for inflation. In addition, special tax considerations should be given to those with disabilities. Many counties and municipalities across our nation have enacted such legislation. In fact, some states have such legislation.
It is time for local county and city elected officials to enact such legislation. In fact, the property taxes for persons in the above age ranges should be reduced to the value prior to the last assessment. Be sure to discuss this matter with the candidates before the May elections.

Ron Winter
Elizabethton