On Wednesday, Mayor Kamal Johnson was interviewed on News10 Albany. That interview can be viewed here.
Of interest to those of us concerned about the nearly $3 million in unpaid property taxes and penalties, Johnson says he does not want to pursue foreclosure but would rather create programs to help people pay their property taxes.
During the interview with Johnson, David Rush, the interviewer, says, "I'm sure when we interview your challenger. . . ." The interview with Joe Ferris, who is challenging Johnson in the primary, actually took place the week before the interview with Johnson, and it can be heard here.
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Why should any of us pay taxes then? So as the rest of the middle class taxpayers struggle to stay afloat he continues to raise taxes and still goes over budget, while vacant buildings and LLCs skip out on the bill, and his developer buddies at Galvan, Kearney, Spark (Hudson Dots) continue to request PILOTs, tax exemptions, and reduced assessments.
ReplyDeleteWhat “programs” would he rather create to help people pay? I suspect it’s called “other people's money.”
Could the “Mayor” explain why it is fair that we received a 140% tax increase when I bought my modest home in Hudson in 2023, but wants to help those who cannot pay their back taxes?
ReplyDeleteI reviewed the list of outstanding property taxes, and one stood immediately, the home at 325 Allen that is currently valued on Zillow for $1,607,200.00 and has outstanding property taxes of $290,822.00 ($182,886 taxes with $107,935 in penalties). It is likely the home is does not have a mortgage or the mortgage company would be collecting the taxes to pay on behalf of the homeowner. The “Mayor” thinks it is fair to pay taxes for a homeowner with over 1 million dollars in equity, more than the value of my home.
I am sure if we review that list closer, we will find many more examples of persons who should not qualify for tax assistance. It seems the “Mayor” has not even reviewed the list or too incompetent to create a fair plan to collect them. The “Mayor” does not have the burden of property taxes (or allegedly rent), so this situation does not personally affect him except add to his incompetence.