Property taxes

Almost every year the city and state wrestle over the property tax. The problem with the property tax is that it is virtually unavoidable. It affects everyone – not just those who own property, but also those who rent.

Sure, you can reduce your income tax by deductions for property tax or rent, but what if you don’t earn enough to pay enough tax to make a difference?  You still have to pay that rent.

Well, look at the tax structure of one of the most successful cities in the United States. A city that has grown every decade for the last 50 years. I am talking about Phoenix, Arizona.  A city built in the middle of the desert with virtually no natural resources.

Phoenix has a city sales tax of 2.3%.  It is also in Maricopa county which has a sales tax rate of 0.7%.  And the state of Arizona has a sales tax rate 5.6% for a combined sales tax rate of 8.6%

But what’s important is the city of Phoenix sales tax of 2.3%.  The sales tax can be avoided, but no one who lives in Boston can avoid the city property tax.  By having a city sales tax, maybe the city will have an incentive to revive its important shopping areas like Downtown Crossing.

By making its shopping districts more attractive to commuters, those brick and mortar stores will see more foot traffic from those who want more of a shopping experience than the internet.  Especially impulse shoppers.  Especially considering that you have to send back whatever you are unhappy with.

The benefits of attractive shopping areas should not be underestimated.  More people will visit our restaurants and theaters.  With lower property taxes, more people can afford to live in the city.

Eugene Gobby

Somerville

Social Security

My wife just got her Social Security statement with the COLA for 2026. Her increase after deducting the new Medicare cost which increased by about 10% comes up to 36 cents a day. That is not even enough to buy a stamp to mail out a bill. Thanks Uncle Sam

Paul Quaglia

Billerica

Anonymous sources

As I read news articles, I’m seriously unimpressed by the innuendos, false rumors, and lies perpetrated under the guise of a high ranking official who wishes to remain anonymous. Then they proceed to malign anything Trump has done. Legacy news will never be respected again when you all are the blame when you use anonymous sources (if they do exist).

John Koster

Woburn