From Citizens for Joe Carabetta:
Joe Carabetta, Republican, of Carpenters Point (Perryville), announced his candidacy for Cecil County Executive today. Mr. Carabetta has been very active in Republican Party activities for many years and was elected to the Republican Central Committee three times and served as Chairman of the Central Committee for two terms.
Mr. Carabetta said, “It is time to take action to return County government to the control of the tax and rate payers of the County, over the last four years the tax and rate payers have taken it on the chin with a one-two punch.”
“Governor Hogan has been going in one direction and the current council and administration have been going in the other direction as far as tax increase (debt load) and fee increases.”
“There has been a series of tax and rate increases that have hurt the hard working citizens of this county in their pocketbook. This past year every property owner was hit with a 2% tax increase due to loss of the early discount on property taxes. The loss of the early discount especially hurts seniors on fixed income. The knockout blow has come from the massive increase in debt, $107 million over the last two years that the current county council and administration has piled on the back of the taxpayers. The bonds have to be paid back.”
“Meanwhile the economy of the county has suffered, real estate activity is virtually zero and small businesses are struggling. Last year the current council voted to increase the cost of buying a house for working families, by increasing the transfer tax from $10 to 0.5% of the purchase price, which has to be paid upon settlement.”
“The integrity of the political process must be restored to return confidence to the voter. In the last election, large campaign contributions were accepted by a currently elected official after Election Day, this type of action creates the perception of corruption especially when the official has to take action related to the donor.”
“I want Cecil County government to be the most ethical one in Maryland and one that is not for sale to the highest donor, therefore I will limit campaign donations to a maximum of $100 per donor and I urge my opponents to do the same.”
We must get the economy moving in Cecil County, we have an excellent base with our agricultural economy, which I feel has been one of the bright spots. In order to generate economic activity within our small businesses, I propose a ten year plan to eliminate the business personnel property tax by 10% per year, which currently stands at $2.4768 per $100 of assessment. Businesses must pay this tax every year on personal business property, which they are allowed to depreciate but only down to 25%. They have already paid income tax on the money they use to purchase the property, why should they pay over and over again to earn income? This increases the cost of doing business which also drives consumer prices up. Four MD counties have no business tax, including two in District 36.
The cost of expanding waste water services must be bore by those who would benefit from the service; presently the current rate payers are carrying a good bit of the load for new services. I would only be in favor of waste water service expansion if those property owners within a proposed area desire it. For too long there has been a “build it and they will come attitude”, this has led to ever increasing sewer rates which are now oppressive to home owners and small businesses. If a new project is built, it will be bonded and those who benefit will pay their fair share, this will control cost for current customers.
Mr. Carabetta, has a degree in Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and recently retired from Aberdeen Test Center, as a Senior Test Officer, after 34 years of federal service. Mr. Carabetta is an Eagle Scout. He also active in many non-profit organizations in the county including Chaplain, Sons of the American Legion, Post 135 Perryville, Board of Directors of the Cecil Land Trust , Turkey Point Light Station, and PAWS for People. He is a recent graduate of the Cecil County Watershed Stewards Academy and a Life Member of the NRA. He lives with his wife, Diane, of 32 years, in Perryville.
2016 Election Date and Times
Presidential Primary Election
Early Voting
Thursday, April 14, 2016 – Thursday, April 21,2016
10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Election Day
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Presidential General Election
Early Voting
Thurs., Oct. 27, 2016 – Thurs., Nov. 3, 2016
8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Please note: Early Voting times for the General Election
begin earlier than the Primary
Election Day
Tuesday, November, 8, 2016
7:00 am – 8:00 pm
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