Any tax increase bad in the current economy

My county tax statement indicates a 1.44 percent decrease in the levy but due to an increase in the taxable valuation, my property tax increase is 9.44 percent. I would like Linn County officials to explain how they arrived at the new valuation. Everything I read or hear about housing prices indicate a dramatic downturn in home values nationwide. Jobless rates are stuck above

9 percent, the federal government has fouled up our economy, but Linn County has no problem increasing our property taxes.

I am a disabled, retired person who just turned 65. I listened to warnings more than 38 years ago that Social Security would be in trouble when I retired. I worked hard, earned as much as I could and invested in a 401(k) and, in the last 10 years, an IRA. The economic anomaly has reduced the value of the IRA by $63,000 in two weeks. Plus another $240,000 that evaporated in 2009 and 2010. Every increase in taxes at any level is unacceptable in this economy. In 2012, vote and vote intelligently. I see no solutions being implemented at any level.

Government decisions started this mess. It's time for real change for the good of our country.

Joseph A. Carpenter

Cedar Rapids