Experience elsewhere doesn't offer comfort

As a regular visitor, and one who loves Hilton Head Island, I've been reading about your sales tax-property tax relief proposal. I write a political column for my local newspaper in Elkhart, Ind. As such, I've seen a similar situation there.

Indiana gave alleged property tax relief in the form of caps as a trade-off for an increased sales tax. Now, less than two years later, the battle is on to void the property tax caps. There is no mention of voiding the sales tax increase.

As a columnist, I have watched closely, and reported on, the insatiable appetite for money by administrations. There seems to always be an excuse to ask the public for more, but instances of officials reducing their pay to reflect diminishing income are as rare as snow tires on Hilton Head.

I'll keep coming to this beautiful area no matter what is done although I hope it doesn't get any more crowded. A higher sales tax, though, will not encourage me to buy more things while I am here.

And property tax relief? I'd be skeptical.

Richard Leib

Elkhart, Ind.