Dear Editor:

One of the things about our current tax requirements that has always troubled me is what Mr. Hull mentioned in his opening sentence, "due to be paid by January 31, 2012 without penalty” in his op-ed article, "Clarkstown’s Tax Collector Calls Her Geese."  So many of our friends and neighbors are struggling to make ends meet - and with each passing year, that number grows.  These people include veterans, the elderly, young families, folks with health problems who have to choose between purchasing their medication and food, the unemployed, shut-ins. 

Many of us do not see that, but when you go door-to-door meeting people as I have done, you do.

However, to my knowledge, towns (like Clarkstown) can make little or no accommodation for these hardship cases.  Sure, it might say you can pay your taxes in installments, but then it will bang these very same people with that penalty for the privilege of spreading out their fair share.  I forget whether the penalty is 5% or 10%, but either way, that penalty just adds to their burden.  It is not that these folks do not want to pay.  It is just harder on them than for others of us. 

For years, I have said this needs to be changed.  We, as a community, need to help our neighbors, not crush them with additional debt.

Let me be very clear that this is not a reflection on the Receiver, Supervisor or the Town Clerk's office.  If I recall correctly, the tax collection code is mandated by the State or County, to which local town governments are responsible.  Yet, this is a cause that we, as a community of neighbors, must get behind and push for change.  As long as we continue to blame others, we will continue to absolve ourselves of responsibility. 

I am tired of reading blog posts from those who blame others, like the fellow who dangled himself from the TZ.  Go to your computer, pick up a pen, write a letter to your Town Board, your local County Legislator and State Senator representing your district.  Copy them all and say, "I want a change in the tax code that eliminates the tax penalty for hardship cases." 

Follow that effort up with a few phone calls.  Bring it up at a local forum like a town board meeting and become part of the change.  If we have to bring this to the State, then we have an excellent State Senator representing us who can kick it upstairs.  Through this effort, it can become a discussion at a higher level.  On the other hand, you can continue to complain in your blog posts.

If we are unwilling to make a positive effort in becoming involved and creating change, please do not expect others to do it for you.  By the way, Mr. Hull, good piece.  Thank you for reminding me.

Richard Feldman
West Nyack
http://www.linkedin.com/in/richardafeldman