THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, June 5, 1996 TAG: 9606050004
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 28 lines
In my job as tax assessor, I hear so many complaints about ``high taxes'' and many questions as to what the city does with tax monies.
I wonder if people stop to think of one of the services paid for with their tax dollars. I speak of our solid-waste department, which did such a magnificent job after the terrible ice storm we had during the winter. Many trees and tree limbs blocked streets and filled our yards. There was a tremendous amount of debris to be picked up.
This was an unusual situation in Norfolk, but the manner in which the people who man the trucks and pick up our debris during ``normal'' times responded certainly represents one of the finer things that our taxes pay for. Of course, we get police and fire protection and clean water that so many areas envy, and numerous other services for our taxes as well.
The next time we gripe about our taxes, let's remember those people who pick up our trash in foul weather as well as good, and take the time to say ``thank you'' to them.
SAM T. BARFIELD
Commissioner of the revenue
City of Norfolk
Norfolk, May 28, 1996 by CNB