TWO PATHS IN ST. PAUL

St. Paul is at a crucial turning point. There are two paths the city can choose to go down and that decision rests with the city council.

We can become a city that supports our small businesses or one that drives them out of town.

As businesses continue to leave the city looking for more welcoming and less regulated towns to hang their shingle, a ripple effect is taking place in St. Paul.

St. Paul is losing tax money from these companies.

It is the residential property owners (like me) who are being tapped once again with increased property taxes and renters who will face increased rent rates. Related Articles Letters: Here’s why we need ‘Black Lives Matter’ signs

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The city is becoming more and more expensive to live in as more companies leave. Shockingly, a proposed 24 percent property tax levy increase won’t even cover the losses felt by businesses leaving our city. The city council even commissioned a task force to find a way for nonprofits to help.

The city council continues down this dangerous path without taking into consideration the long-term effects restrictive bans and over-taxation will have on St. Paul and its property owners.

Please think long and hard before passing ordinances that will drive business away. We need to support small businesses instead of putting up roadblocks at every turn.

It is time to get on the right path.

Alex Zadini, St. Paul