I am writing as the First Vice President of the Cambria County Farm Bureau. I oppose the Cambria County Commissioner’s proposed tax increase. Commissioners Rager and Hunt are choosing to stifle economic growth, as well as create an undue burden on individuals. We are all feeling the squeeze already, and Rager and Hunt do this.

Property taxes themselves are an antiquated idea that were meant to make rich land barons pay their fair share, but this is not 1872, and our county land is owned by middle and working class people, not Ted Turner and Brad Kelley.

Things have started to turn around in the county ­– a healthy environment for business growth, created in part by forward-thinking commissioners, has been the catalyst for change. Commissioners Rager and Hunt are thanking our small businesses with higher taxes.

The farmers of our county are feeling the squeeze from this economy, with no end in sight.

Farmers will see the largest tax increases, as well as higher rent for farmland, and higher input costs as our suppliers, also largely based locally, will be seeing higher taxes as well.

Commissioners Rager and Hunt are choosing to hurt the very people that provide our food and fiber.

Increased property taxes are a burden on the people and will snuff out economic and social growth. Commissions Rager and Hunt need to join Chernisky in voting “no” on this tax increase.

The 480 families of the Cambria County Farm Bureau will be watching closely.

Hattie Henderson

Ebensburg