November 20, 2006

Raleigh News and Observer

To the Editor:

In Ryan Teague Beckwith’s article Nov. 14, the Home Builders Association asserts that the election settled the matter on impact fees. Hardly. Impact fees have wide citizen support as a fair way to help growth pay for itself. As recently as October, 71% of likely Wake voters polled stated clearly that they support impact fees on new home construction to pay for schools, planning, drinking water and landfills (poll by Public Policy Polling 10/26/06).

Furthermore, the election was not about impact fees. The County Commissioner races were really battles between under funded first-time candidates and candidates with high name recognition and significantly more campaign funding from special interests, like the Homebuilders.

Fortunately, by passing the school bond, Wake voters demonstrated that they understand the need to pay for the costs that come with growth – such as building new schools. However, sources other than property taxes should pay for those bonds. If not, when the next bond arises, taxpayers may not be willing to step up to the plate again with higher property taxes. Is it time now for the costs of sprawl to stop coming out of pockets of those who have been paying all along?

Karen Rindge
WakeUP Wake County