TOP DRAWER INK NEWSLETTER

 

Here's the latest issue of Top Drawer Ink, the newsletter written by author HL Carpenter that's chock full of humor and common sense information.

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March 3, 2007
Volume 5, Number 5
ISSN 1554-6330

In this issue:

1. Carpenter Country
2. Top Drawer Article
3. Top Drawer Tips
4. Top Drawer Satire

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CARPENTER COUNTRY
What's Happening in Our Neck of the Human Experience

 

It’s only March, but already famous and infamous politicians headline the news with promises of what they’ll do for you.

Here in Carpenter Country, the bossy one is thinking of running for public office. She’s good at pulling all the strings and would enjoy having an inside track in the administration of government.

Then there are the rewards that go with being powerful. Even politicians on the lowest notch of the totem pole can claim gratis parking at the airport and an occasional paid business trip. Climbing the political ladder means additional freebies such as golf tee time, plane tickets and frequent junkets to Hawaii for conferences to discuss taxpayer business.

Reaching the top adds more perks like complimentary rides on Air Force One, generous medical care and wonderful retirement benefits. Quite honestly, who could resist free staff, Secret Service protection and franking privileges?

But there is one downside to being a candidate – having to deal with all the love/hate controversy from friend and foe without blinking a public eye.

Our diehard insists that forging through praise and ridicule while flashing a winning smile is just part of being a successful office seeker - and when she throws her hat in the ring she hopes you’ll vote for her so she can work for you.

How’s that for a horsefeathers and poppycock stump speech? Sounds like she has campaigning down pat.

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TOP DRAWER ARTICLE

Property Tax Reform
by
HL Carpenter

 

You’re a year round Florida resident and your property taxes are capped by the homestead exemption and the Save Our Homes amendment. But your part-time neighbors are complaining about the inequities of the system.

The question: How would you address their concerns?

Read the entire article here

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TOP DRAWER TIPS
Topics and Tidbits

 

Tip: Got something to say about property taxes? Visit the Florida Senate Committee on Finance and Tax on the web at http://www.flsenate.gov/Welcome/index.cfm?CFID=51079312&CFTOKEN=47210533..

Investment Glossary Term: Millage. The term for the tax rate assessed on the value of real property. Derived from the Latin term for thousandth, a mill equals 1/1000th of a dollar (equivalent to 1/10th of a cent).

Financial Horoscope: With the double whammy of a market correction and taxes to pay, your nest egg may no longer be as full as tonight’s moon. In seeking to replenish your riches, you might find yourself tempted by the grand promises of those who dwell in shadows. But now is not the time for recklessness. Resist the allure of the lunar influence and protect your pennies instead. The IRS list of Dirty Dozen Tax Scams provides a profitable reminder: Not all that gleams under silvery lighting is beautiful.

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TOP DRAWER SATIRE

Sleeping Real Estate
by
HL Carpenter

 

How much do you value your side of the bed? Recent reports indicate many people put a high price on what’s known in the mattress industry as ‘sleeping real estate’. Now tax assessors are wondering if they’re missing out on a potential source of revenue.

Read the rest here