Editor, Gazette-Journal:

To the readers of the Gazette, you might remember on the 4th of September I wrote a letter to the editor concerning the latest report by the Department of Commerce which, in part, stated that "all" housing within the United States was valued at what they were in 2003/2004.

I mentioned in my letter other communities throughout the country were admitting their assessments could not be higher than what the federal government was reporting, and were recalculating them. Since that time, the Gazette reported on taxable errors between Mathews and Gloucester, and the government report was now being used by lending institutions as their guide for lending. It has also been adopted by the insurance sector as a replacement values on homes. However, this is Gloucester’s response to my inquiry:

"Dear Mr. Adams,

You had asked a question about the validity of our reassessment in light of a study done by the federal government, and requested our county attorney’s opinion on your assertion. We did check with the county attorney, and it is my understanding from him that a study indicating that property values in the United States are in line with 2004 values does not render any individual assessment invalid or illegal. Thank you for raising the question and bringing the issue to our attention."

To the individuals who contacted me and those that are unhappy with the taxing situation, I once again say, pick up your phone, e-mail or pen and contact me or express your concerns to the county and request they properly assess our homes and cars. It is clear that once again they are out of step with the rest of the country and are improperly assessing our property.

I don’t mind taxes. I know they are essential for a community. But I do mind what I consider illegal assessments. The only person who seems to care and who is trying to correct the matter is Supervisor Bobby Crewe. Thank you, Mr. Crewe.

Gary Adams

Hayes, Va.