Do you want a millage increase on your property taxes or a penny sales tax increase?

I am a homeowner, but here is why I would rather have a millage increase than a penny sales tax increase:

1. I can deduct what I pay in property taxes from my state and federal income tax return. I cannot deduct sales tax, so the sales tax will actually cost me more.

2. Fayette County businesses have an advantage that they will not have if there is a sales tax increase. Many businesses are struggling as it is. How will this affect them?

3. If Fayette County had a large tourism industry, this might make sense, but we don’t. So, we are the ones who will pay, one way or another. I would rather pay something that can reduce my state and federal income taxes.

4. A sales tax is a regressive tax.

If it is an either/or question, I would rather have a millage increase in my property taxes than an increase in sales tax.

Dr. Mary Kay Bacallao

Brooks, Ga.

[Dr. Bacallao was a candidate in the recent race for Board of Education Post 2, which was won by incumbent Terri Smith, the chairman of the board.]