The following letter was received with a signed petition published in the Finger Lakes Times on April 14, 2008

April 15, 2008

To Whom It May Concern:

Long before YOTL came to be I’ve always thought it was very wrong — ANYWHERE — to tax tourists on their accommodations. You invite them into your community – and then tax them on top of — expensive lodging.

However I guess a certified business is one thing and private property is another and for those who randomly rent it is a burden they should not bear.

Two years ago I moved from Keuka Lake – after 54 years in the same house. I never rented but if I should have desired to do so a tax would have been abominable. I have a son who lives 250 miles away but has a small Keuka Lake cottage — owned it for over 10 years and never rented.

However, his children are college age now and if he should ever desire to rent a week or two he should NOT have to get into this “rental tax” business.

A thought — will homeowners (in town) who rent have to collect a tax in the future?

Nancy D. Gillette

P.S. I have a friend in Ohio who has rented a cottage for over 20 years — who will not be back!

Returned with Petition:

We are taxed enough! (underlined twice)

I don't appreciate trning honest tax paying citizens into commoncriminals...E-greed ous!

Hello,

Thank you to whomever. It is about time someone did something to fight the outrageous taxes that Yates County imposes on us. I appreciate your efforts. I am at the lake for most of the summer. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know.

Sincerely,
Nora