Amendment 3 debate marginalizes seniors
Every day, the news media bombards us with warnings about how Amendment 3 will impact county budgets, city services and revenues. While local governments worry about their bottom lines, the press is completely ignoring the real people this amendment is designed to protect ― our seniors and families struggling to afford their homes. As a Palm Beach County resident, I see firsthand how skyrocketing property taxes are squeezing those on fixed incomes. State data shows that nearly 30% of Florida homeowners aged 65 and older are spending over a third of their income just to keep a roof over their heads. For a widow or retiree, every single dollar counts. People shouldn't have to choose between buying medicine or paying a tax bill on a home they already
paid for.
By raising the non-school homestead exemption, Amendment 3 provides immediate, meaningful tax relief. It allows our vulnerable neighbors to keep more of their hard-earned money so they can age in place with dignity. It is time to balance the conversation. Local governments have enjoyed years of soaring property values and tax collections. They can learn to budget more efficiently. Let’s prioritize the financial survival of our seniors over the endless expansion of municipal spending. I am voting "yes" on Amendment 3.
Dale Vernatter, West Palm Beach
France and U.S. have 'pluralism' problems
There is room for comparisons between the recent troubles in France, caused by years of underfunding public education, and troubles in the U.S. In France, the far right is using this disruption to gain power in their upcoming elections. In the U.S., the far right is in power. The more deep-seated factors in both are failure to find a path through the demographic change associated with ethnic, racial and religious pluralism. The solution is found in the first line of our Declaration of Independence. I hope all are paying attention.
Bob O’Donnell, Stuart
School shootings are on the ballot, too
When the news came about another mass shooting, I was disgusted. This is the 36th shooting at a school this year ― a child killing other children. There is a very deep sickness in this country. Are we a soulless nation? It would appear so. As a retired RN, I continue to be concerned for the wellbeing of all, especially the children. These little ones who experienced the events at Oregon's Silver Rail Elementary will carry the trauma for the rest of their lives. The families of the dead will need love and support for years to come for they too, will carry the trauma.
I urge everyone who is eligible to vote to take time to learn about the various candidates' position on gun safety and gun control. Then vote with that knowledge to start to decrease the ease of obtaining guns. It's a start. We must not treat these killings as normal and expected. My mail-in ballot is complete and will be taken to an early voting site. Those who are eligible to vote, please double check your registration and make it a practice to vote in every election.
Isabel Lang, West Palm Beach
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Post reader insists Amendment 3 debate marginalizes seniors | Letters
