Welcome to vacation land

In today's USATody a Brit complains that his Florida property taxes in Palm Beach have risen from $4,500 to $20,000 in 4 years. A "homesteader" Floridian pays $3,000 for the same unit next door.

Yes, Mr. Rich European, we've experienced that at our second home, too, although Danbury Township would sock it to us even if we lived there 6 or 7 months of the year. Lakeside, Ohio, is the golden goose in that taxing district, and it makes no difference that we send almost no children to the schools--the fact is, we can't vote. This is the rub in all 2nd home communities. Celebs like the McCains, Kerrys and Clintons who have multiple homes have enough money that it doesn't matter. It really is taxation without representation. The children of Marblehead, Ohio should be using gold plated computers and swimming in diamond studded natatoriums courtesy of the vacationers who don't live permanently in the area. I could move 100 ft. to the west and lower my taxes. If the children who attend Danbury schools aren't excelling in every academic area, leading the state in testing and contests, then it's a sure sign that money isn't what makes a good school.