You Can Run But You Can't Hide

Over the past few years there has been a mass exodus out of Allegheny county. People have scrambled to cross the line and into Cranberry, Beaver county or Washington county all to avoid higher taxes. These places are exploding with growth, which means more roads, more schools, more public services and more taxes needed to pay for it all. Taxes are like a freight train, even with head start, you'll never outrun it. I just saw a brand new elementary school in Economy boro in Beaver County. It looks like a college campus. Two miles away they are ready to tear down Ambridge High School and rebuild. Now, I have not seen a ton of growth in Ambridge, but there must be a need for these new schools and someone has to pay for it all. Here is the punchline... the people fleeing higher taxes, create higher taxes by moving and will therefore pay higher taxes. Here are a few headlines to support my theory:
Tribune Review - Westmoreland County Commissioner Tom Ceraso said when the county's 2005 budget is introduced later this week, it will likely include a property tax increase.
Beaver County Times - According to their preliminary budgets, Chippewa and Brighton plan to raise taxes by 3 and 2 mills, respectively, in 2005. Meanwhile, their assessed valuation for 2005 has rocketed.
Do I hear a train coming?????

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