Editorial by Dhiren Shah
Hello Readers, Slowly and gradually, the coronavirus pandemic has become less dominant in our regular lives. As many have announced, most of the restrictions, including wearing masks has been lifted. Vaccination is in full force, but we should take care of ourselves by protecting ourselves with masks and social distancing.
I see many restaurants are packed with customers. People have been fed up with staying home. Slowly and gradually, business is picking up. Without government help, many businesses have already folded. PPP loans have been a great success. However, SBA loans to different businesses with 3.75% interest and 2.75% for the organization will be a debt for many individuals. It is a 30-year loan, like a home mortgage. A home mortgage with excellent credit has a lower interest rate than the 3.75% SBA is charging. Those who took that loan would pay the installments until the end of their lives. Also, everyone should be cautious while traveling. By road is a better way to travel than by plane or train. By train is a better way to travel than plane.
New Jersey lifted the restrictions on travelers from other states. Now they do not require a quarantine for 14 days. However, it was self-quarantining without any reporting. From what I heard, some people were traveling, had only temperature checking at the airport and did not follow the quarantine when they reached their destination.
I had a discussion with a couple of Local Talk’s readers. One said that it should be mandatory for anyone owning a house to live in the community. He was trying to stop the investors who are buying the houses and charging a lot of rent and making money – but they do not live in the community. Partially, it is true because those who actually live their lives in the community do not get an advantage like that.
For that, I have a couple of suggestions. Those who have lived more than 20 years in the same community should benefit from their support of the community. So, they should have no property tax for 10 or 15 years. That will give them encouragement to buy property in the community they live in. Also, those who are born and lived their life for 18 years, as an adult, they get the same privileges. For the time they are getting the advantage of no property taxes, they are giving some money to the township or the city by the way of sales tax and spending their money within the community, more than outsiders. The cities or townships are giving 30 years tax abatement to those who invest money, make money, but do not support the community, except donating some money at the fundraisers of the politicians.
There is another way of helping and encouraging residents by reduced property tax. They will get 20% or 25% discount on the property taxes. This way, they will buy local properties and keep the spirits high for the township or city.
I am not against raising funds for a campaign. But there should be a limit. There should be a limit on campaigning. If the government restricts one candidate from campaigning in senior buildings, this restriction should apply to all, including the elected officials who are in administration.
Have a wonderful week.
I’ll talk to you next week.
