To the Editor:

The strategy for the raising of property taxes by the Appomattox Board of Supervisors was nothing less than “Wickedly Brilliant.”

First, the Board posits a possible 9-cent to an outrageous 14-cent increase per $100 of assessed property value. This sends the citizenry into a panicked frenzy.

In order to accomplish a desired increase without too much blow-back from the citizens, the outrageous increase had to be publicly introduced so that when the 5-cent increase is finally decided upon, everyone breathes a sigh of relief.

Brilliant thievery indeed, and all of it done without a mask! 


What makes matters even more diabolical is before “any final decision is made,” the Board schedules a public meeting in order to appease the unsuspecting citizenry of their plan.

Again, this was a brilliant ruse since it really didn’t matter what anyone said; the fix was already in; the decision was already made.

Despite former Delegate Watkins Abbitt’s constructive rebuke, coupled with a detailed list of why taxes did not need to be raised, the Board raised taxes anyway.

Perhaps it was Mr. Abbitt’s chastisement, insinuating that they were all unfit for their office. I concur. The Appomattox Board of supervisors are mere hobbyists. 


As a reward for the Board’s success, they now seek to raise personal property taxes in an effort to remind us that we really do not own anything but rather are given permission to use what we think we own at the good pleasure of our esteemed leaders (sic).

In the upcoming elections we citizens do not need to know how the candidate is going to keep taxes from bring raised; we need to know how he or she is going to restore our property and our freedom by lowering them. 


Rev. Dr. Paul Michael Raymond


Appomattox