The Virginian-Pilot this morning discusses the issues of tax relief for homeowners and how it affects commercial property. But once again, the Pilot, given an opportunity to educate, punts. They say that separate rates for residential and commercial properties is impossible but never once mention that it is the arcane Dillon Rule that keeps the localities from doing what they want to do, as I pointed out here.
If the goal of the article was to make homeowners upset that commercial property owners are getting a break, then I think the article accomplished that. But telling them that localities hands are tied without giving them the reason why leaves people upset at their local officials instead of their delegates.
We know the Hampton Roads delegation can’t agree on transportation, but with pressure from all of us, perhaps they can be persuaded to do something about the Dillon Rule.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 