Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I am addressing this correspondence to the residents of Gloucester, not only to alert them to this issue, but asking for their support. The U.S. Department of Commerce has, in August, issued a report stating that American homes have fallen in worth to their 2003/2004 levels.

What does that mean? The county has long justified their assessment of the value of our homes by comparing them to similar homes and for what they used to sell. One could never argue the point, because everyone hoped that not only would the market recover, but they wanted to see their investment show a profit. However, that has proven to be a farce. It’s not going to happen, at least any time soon, if at all.

Now, though we have the United States government’s own assessment as to the value of our homes, I have written to Mr. (Reese) Milligan and Mrs. (Brenda) Garton, the county assessor and administrator, asking they speak with the county attorney on the legality of our current assessments. Other communities are and have challenged their local governments, forcing a fair and reasonable assessment. If interested, I ask you to either contact the county or me. It’s time we demand fair representation.

Gary Adams

Hayes, Va.